Alex Goligoski signs 5-year deal with Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes have addressed one of their biggest off-season needs, signing defenceman Alex Goligoski to a five-year, $27.375 million USdeal.

Arizona acquired Goligoski's negotiating rights in a trade with Dallas last week and brought him out for a visit. Goligoski liked what he saw and so did the Coyotes, taking one of the top free agent defencemen off the market.

"We are thrilled to sign Alex to a long term contract," Coyotes general manager John Chayka said in a statement. "Alex is a great skater and a smart, efficient defencemanwho moves the puck well and makes his teammates better. He will help solidify our defense and support the growth of our young players."

The 30-year-old Goligoski has been a steady defenceman in eight NHL seasons with Pittsburgh and Dallas. He played all 82 games with the Stars last season, finishing with five goals and 32 assists. He also had four goals and three assists in 13 playoff games.

Goligoski, who has 55 goals and 222 assists in 562 career NHL games, agreed to the deal after spending two days in Arizona last week.

"I am very happy to join the Coyotes," he said in a statement. "Arizona is a great place to live and play and I'm excited to join an up and coming team that has a ton of talent and a very bright future."

The Coyotes became an exciting offensive team with the additions of Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, but needed help on the blue line. Though a bit undersized at 5'11", 185 pounds, Goligoski should give them a boost as a top-four defenceman.