Alex Goligoski has found a home in the desert.
The 30-year-old defenseman has signed a five-year deal with the Arizona Coyotes worth a reported $27.375 million. The deal carries an average annual valuation of $5.475 million, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.
"I am very happy to join the Coyotes," Goligoski said. "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 acquired Goligoski's rights from the Dallas Stars, and have apparently wooed the impending unrestricted free agent during a two-day team tour.
"We are thrilled to sign Alex to a long-term contract," said general manager John Chayka. "Alex is a great skater and a smart, efficient defenseman who moves the puck well and makes his teammates better. He will help solidify our defense and support the growth of our young players. He will be a great addition to our team and we welcome him and his wife Amanda to the pack."
Over the course of his career split between Dallas and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Goligoski has averaged 0.49 points per game and has been a positive possession player in five-on-five play, according to Corsica Hockey.
The Coyotes had approximately $38 million in available cap space prior to this signing, and still need to spend over $14 million in order to reach the salary floor.
Goligoski now carries the third-highest cap hit on the team, behind Mike Smith and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
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