Colorado sign wing Ryan Smyth

Colorado signed left wing Ryan Smyth to a deal worth a reported US$31 million over five years and Scott Gomez jumped to the New York Rangers as NHL free agency began on Sunday.

A busy day of signings saw several clubs help their chances under the new NHL salary cap of more than US$50 million per team, with Smyth the big prize after his 36 goals and 32 assists last season for Edmonton and the New York Islanders.

"I'm thrilled to be able to announce the signing of Ryan Smyth," Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said. "Ryan is a proven, top-tier athlete in the NHL who will be an outstanding fit with our club."

"He's a player that exemplifies grit, determination and courage and will be among the future leaders of this franchise," he said.

Smyth, a pal of Avalanche captain Joe Sakic, spent 12 years with Edmonton and has 270 goals and 294 assists in the course of 788 career NHL games.

"At 31, we feel he can continue to play at a high level and make an impact in this league for years to come," Giguere said. "With his vast experience as a leader, both in the NHL and in international competition as a captain with Team Canada, we expect Ryan to be a positive example for our younger players."

Gomez left New Jersey to join the Rangers, making him a possible linemate for Czech star Jaromir Jagr, and the Rangers also added Chris Drury from Buffalo, adding to the Blueshirts' scoring punch.

Daniel Briere left the Buffalo Sabres and signed an eight-year deal with Philadelphia while Toronto landed center Jason Blake from the Islanders.