TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning re-signed defenseman Cory Sarich to a one-year, $1.9 million contract on Thursday, avoiding salary arbitration.

The two sides had been scheduled for a hearing Monday.

"Cory and his agent understood our cap situation and worked with us to get something done that would help us," Tampa Bay general manager Jay Feaster said. "Cory has demonstrated what an outstanding team player he is by electing to settle at a number that worked for the team rather than attempting to hit the home run in arbitration."

Sarich had one goal and 14 assists last season. He has played in all 82 regular-season games each of the past three seasons.