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."
Related: Fantasy Fallout: Alex Goligoski
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.
