The Philadelphia Flyers made a big splash to kick off the offseason, signing centre Daniel Briere to an eight-year contract worth $52 million.
The deal will average $6.5 million a season against the salary cap, with the first year paying him $10 million - including a $5 million signing bonus.
''We are extremely pleased to add Daniel to our roster and eager to get him into our lineup,'' Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. ''We look for big things from him.''
The contract also features a no movement clause. Philadelphia beat out several teams that were interested in the unrestricted free agent, including the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens.
''Danny had many offers and lots of interest out there,'' said Pat Brisson, his agent. ''He made sure to carefully look at his options. He is thrilled with the results.''
Briere, 29, came off a career season in which he led the Buffalo Sabres with 95 points. He added a team-leading 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in the playoffs.
Briere was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after he was awarded a one-year, $5 million contract by an arbitrator last July. He was the Sabres' highest paid player this past season, surpassing fellow co-captain Chris Drury's $3.15 million.
He earned $1.938 million in 2005-06, when he had 58 points in 48 games and added 19 points in 18 playoff games.
Briere, taken 24th overall by Phoenix in the 1996 Entry Draft, has 162 goals and 376 points in 483 career games.
Details to follow.