SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Daniel Briere avoided arbitration by signing a two-year deal Tuesday to stay with the Phoenix Coyotes.

He led the team with 32 goals in 2001-02, his second full season in the NHL.

Phoenix made a $786,000 qualifying offer to Briere last month, but the 25-year-old center was angling for an annual salary of at least $1.5 million.

"We are pleased to have him under contract for the next two seasons," general manager Michael Barnett said. "His dynamic offensive skills inspired his teammates and thrilled Coyotes fans."

Briere had 28 assists and ranked second on the Coyotes with 60 points. He also led the NHL by scoring on 21.5 percent of his shots and was nominated for the Bill Masterson Trophy, awarded for perseverance in the sport.

Briere said he was glad to avoid arbitration.

"I can't wait for next season to start," Briere said. "I really appreciate the effort management made to sign me."

The 5-foot-10, 178-pound forward was a first-round draft choice by Phoenix in 1996. He struggled in 1998-99, when he had eight goals in 64 games, and spent most of the next season in the minors.

Briere then went unclaimed after being placed on waivers in October 2000. The Coyotes recalled him four months later and he responded with goals in six straight games, leading to his previous career-high of 11 goals in 30 contests in 2000-01.

Over five years, Briere has 53 goals (23 on power plays) and 47 assists in 190 games.

The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press.