Arizona Coyotes sign C Joe Vitale, G Devan Dubnyk to kick off free agency period

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Coyotes have signed centre Joe Vitale to a three-year contract and goalie Devan Dubnyk to a one-year deal.

The Coyotes made their big move before the start of the free-agency period, trading a draft pick to Tampa Bay for centre Sam Gagner and right wing B.J. Crombeen on Sunday. Arizona also initiated a buyout of centre Mike Ribeiro's contract after last season's top signee didn't pan out.

The Coyotes beefed up their depth at centre by picking up Vitale, who spent his first four seasons with Pittsburgh. He has eight goals and 27 assists in 163 career games.

Dubnyk was the starter in Edmonton last season before struggling and being traded to Nashville. He replaces backup goalie Thomas Greiss, who signed with Pittsburgh.