Fri Jul 11 13:40:04 2008

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Blue Jackets re-sign Peca

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Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed veteran center Michael Peca to a one-year contract, the club announced on Friday. Per team policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

Peca, a 13-year NHL veteran, signed with Columbus prior to the 2007-08 season and notched eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points in 65 games.

"We are very pleased to re-sign Michael," said Jackets general manager Scott Howson. "We value his experience, professionalism, leadership and ability to play in crucial situations."

A Toronto, Ontario native, Peca was a second round choice of the Vancouver Canucks in 1992 and played in parts of two seasons with Vancouver before moving on to Buffalo in 1995. With the Sabres, he captured his first Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward in 1996-97 and served as the team's captain from 1997-2000.

Peca won his second Selke Trophy with the Islanders in 2001-02, when he posted 25 goals, 35 assists and a plus-19 rating in 80 games. However, his production has dropped off since then, and he has played with four different teams since 2003.

For his career, the 34-year-old has 172 goals and 271 assists for 443 points, along with a plus-72 rating in 793 regular season games with the Canucks, Sabres, Islanders, Oilers, Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets.

The 5-foot-11, 181-pounder also has 15 goals and 19 assists in 93 career postseason games.