The San Jose Sharks on Wednesday signed free-agent center Scott Gomez to a one-year contract.

Gomez's deal is for $700,000, according to a source.

Gomez was bought out by the Montreal Canadiens last week and became an unrestricted free agent. The Habs still will pay him his $5.5 million (pro-rated) salary for this season, plus two-thirds of the $4.5 million he was slated to earn next season in the final year of his deal.

The Canadiens, however, as per the compliance buyout rule in the new collective bargaining agreement, won't have Gomez on their salary cap next season.

Sharks associate coach Larry Robinson has a key connection to Gomez from their days in New Jersey when Robinson was coach there.

A two-time All-Star, Gomez is expected to center the third line with the Sharks.