SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 9 (UPI) -- The Phoenix Coyotes remained active in free agency Friday, signing veteran center Mike Ricci away from the San Jose Sharks.
Ricci received a multi-year contract at undisclosed financial terms.
It was the third significant free agent signing for the Coyotes, who already had inked defenseman Sean O'Donnell and center Boyd Devereaux.
Ricci, 32, is one of the grittiest players in the NHL. He played in 71 games with the Sharks last season, collecting seven goals, 19 assists and 40 penalty minutes, before helping San Jose to the Western Conference finals.
"There are many superlatives that you can use to describe Mike Ricci, but the most widely held is that of competitor," Coyotes General Manager Michaell Barnett said. "He lays it on the line, every shift, every night."
In 1,014 career games, Ricci has 233 goals, 355 assists and 906 penalty minutes. He has also played in 110 playoff games, amassing 23 goals, 43 assists and 77 penalty minutes.
