Coyotes sign netminder Smith and forward Torres

PHOENIX | Fri Jul 1, 2011 6:21pm EDT

PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Phoenix Coyotes found a new goaltender for next season by signing free agent Mike Smith on Friday.

The team also said it had signed free agent forward Raffi Torres. Both players received multi-year contracts.

Smith, 29, appeared in 22 games as the Tampa Bay Lightning's back-up goalie last season, posting a 13-6-1 record with one shutout and a 2.90 goals against average.

"Mike is a big, talented goaltender who we feel will excel in our system," Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said in a statement.

Smith replaces Ilya Bryzgalov who has signed for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Local media said Smith's two-year deal was worth $4 million.

Left wing Torres, 29, helped the Vancouver Canucks reach the Stanley Cup Finals, collecting 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in the regular season and adding seven points in the playoffs.

His two-year deal is worth $3.5 million, according to media reports.

"Raffi is a big, strong winger who is an excellent skater," Maloney said. "He will add grit and skill to our lineup."

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina, editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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