Blue Jackets finalize one-year contract with centre Mike Peca

Terms of the contract were not released. Peca, 33, had four goals and 11 assists in 35 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last year before suffering a season-ending leg injury Dec. 22. The unrestricted free agent made US$2.5 million last season.

"We are very pleased to add a player of Michael's ability, character and presence to our hockey club," Columbus general manger Scott Howson said Tuesday in a statement. "We expect that Michael will be a very strong addition to our leadership group."

Peca has 164 goals and 245 assists in 728 career games with Vancouver, Buffalo, the New York Islanders, Edmonton and Toronto.