ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues have signed veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur to a one-year contract.

The deal is worth $700,000 plus bonuses.

Brodeur spent the last 21 seasons with the New Jersey Devils and leads the NHL in wins (688), games played (1,259), losses (394) and shutouts (124).

The free agent joined the Blues on a tryout basis last week after an injury to starter Brian Elliott.

Brodeur was 19-14-6 last season with a 2.51 goals-against average and .901 save percentage, low numbers when compared to his career marks of 2.24 GAA and .912 save percentage.

The 42-year-old says it "feels great" to have a new team.

"I really appreciate the opportunity for me to be here the last few days," he said in a release. "It definitely worked out real well. I'm excited for this fresh start."

A five-time Vezina Trophy winner, Brodeur is just 12 wins away from 700 in his career.

Despite the fact he hasn't played since last season, coach Ken Hitchcock says he won't be sitting on the bench.

"If he's here, he's going to play," he said. "He's not going to back up."