The Nashville Predators have signed defenseman Matt Carle to a one-year, $700,000 contract.

The 31-year-old was recently bought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning, with two years remaining on a contract that carried an average annual valuation of $5.5 million.

Carle appeared in only 64 regular-season games for the Lightning last campaign, with two goals and seven assists to his credit, while contributing eight points in 43 playoff games with the Lightning over three seasons.

In 724 career appearances, he's averaging 32 points for every 82 games played. Carle also played three seasons under Nashville head coach Peter Laviolette when both were with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The veteran will be called upon to play a depth role on an already very talented defense corps assembled by general manager David Poile.

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