The NHL's San Jose Sharks today announced what everyone figured was coming: They have signed free agent center Scott Gomez of Anchorage to a one-year deal.

While the Sharks did not say how much they are paying him, it's a pro-rated $700,000 according to many reports.

In Gomez, 33, the Sharks get a veteran center and two-time Stanley Cup winner who can help their second power-play unit and give them more depth. Plus, they get him for practically nothing in terms of money. (He'll wear No. 23, by the way.)

San Jose becomes Gomez's fourth NHL team, following the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadians -- the latter bought out his contract earlier this month, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Gomez traveled and practiced with the Sharks during their two-game roadie to Canada this week -- they won at Calgary and Edmonton. San Jose's home opener is Thursday against the Coyotes, so that could be Gomez's first game for the club.

UPDATE: Spoke with Gomez on the phone this afternoon, so look for more on this story later at adn.com and in Thursday morning's dead-trees edition.