GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Phoenix Coyotes signed veteran defenceman Kurt Sauer to a US$7-million, four-year contract Tuesday.

The move fills a gap created when Phoenix sent two defencemen to the Florida Panthers in a draft-day trade for Olli Jokinen.

Sauer, 27, played for the Colorado Avalanche last season, and had a goal and five assists in 54 regular-season games. He added a goal in 10 postseason contests with Colorado.

In six NHL seasons with Anaheim and the Avalanche, Sauer has four goals and 22 assists in 288 regular-season games.