From Slam! Sports Hockey...

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (CP) -- The Phoenix Coyotes signed free agent
defenceman Cale Hulse to a multi-year deal Thursday.

"Cale is a rugged performer, someone that players do not like to
play against," said Coyotes vice-president and executive general
manager Mike Barnett. "His physical play brings to the team an
element that we felt got away from us last year.

"It has been a priority for us to add this type of defenceman since
our season ended."

The six-foot-three, 220-pound Hulse recorded two goals, six assists
and 121 penalty minutes in 80 games with the Nashville Predators
last season.

The 29-year-old native of Edmonton, Alberta has played eight
seasons in the NHL with New Jersey, Calgary and Nashville,
collecting 71 points and 814 penalty minutes in 498 career games.

Hulse was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third
round, 66th overall in the 1992 entry draft.