IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Stars signed free agent defenseman Philippe Boucher to a four-year contract Tuesday.

Boucher, originally a first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, played the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Kings.

"We are very pleased to add a defenseman of Philippe's talents,'' Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement Tuesday. "He will add depth to our defensive corps and be a great addition for our hockey club.''

No other terms of the deal were disclosed.

Boucher, 29, had seven goals and 23 assists along with 94 penalty minutes in 80 games with Los Angeles last season. He set career highs in assists, points and games played while tying his career-high in goals. During the 2002 playoffs, Boucher appeared in five games, posting an assist.

"Philippe is a quality person and someone who will fit well in our group,'' Dallas coach Dave Tippett said. "He is a well-rounded defenseman who plays a strong physical game as well as a player who can move the puck on the power play.''

The 6-foot-2, 214-pound defenseman has appeared in 377 career NHL contests recording 39 goals and 93 assists with 298 penalty minutes.

Buffalo made Boucher the 13th pick overall in 1991. He broke into the league with the Sabres during the 1992-93 season. After appearing in parts of three seasons with Buffalo from 1992-1995, he was traded to Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 1995.