ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Blues signed free agent left wing Paul Kariya to a three-year contract on Sunday night, adding scoring punch to a rebuilding franchise.

The 32-year old former University of Maine standout was the leading scorer the past two seasons for the Nashville Predators, electing to test free agency with that franchise for sale. He’s a seven-time All-Star, including five straight berths from 1999-2003.

“We are excited to announce we have signed a world class hockey player as well as a first-class person,” Blues president John Davidson said. “Paul gives us instant scoring up front as well as bringing an entertaining brand of hockey.”

Kariya scored 76 points last season on 24 goals and 52 assists and had 85 points in 2005-06. The Predators also have lost goaltender Tomas Vokoun, defenseman Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell.

Kariya’s younger brother, Marty, signed with the Blues last month after leading the Finnish Elite League in scoring this past year with 18 goals and 43 assists in 51 games. Marty Kariya also starred at Maine.

The Blues missed the playoffs for the second straight season but surged under new ownership that added coach Andy Murray in mid-December.