Avalanche Sign D Kyle Cumiskey To One Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche have finally signed all their restricted free agents after agreeing to terms on a two-way deal with defenseman Kyle Cumiskey, just barely a week before the start of Training Camp.

According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, the two-way contract  is worth $708,000 while on the Avalanche roster, and $105,000 if he is sent down to the AHL Lake Erie affiliate.

Cumiskey is facing an uphill battle this upcoming season, as Colorado has turned away from the fast, light defensive style that was prevalent at the very beginning of last season. The roster now includes big, physical defensmen such as Ryan O'Byrne and Erik Johnson, along with free agent signings this offseason of players like Jan Hejda and Shane O'Brien. With Cumiskey's lack of size -- and significant injury history -- he likely represents quality depth for the season more than an impact player on the Opening Night roster. 

Avalanche Sign D Shane O' Brien To One Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche continue to rebuild their defense -- an undersized unit last season, and a certain liability -- into a bigger, more physical front. Just days after agreeing to a one year contract with defenseman Ryan Wilson, the Avalanche have agreed to a one year contract with free agent defenseman Shane O`Brien, 27, formerly of the Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks.

The contract is valued at $1.1 million.

O' Brien gives another second/third pairing veteran option for the Avalanche who suffered from a lack of defensive depth. The 6'3", 200 pound defenseman adds size and experience, and his signing likely portends another possible move, as O 'Brien plays a similar role to Ryan Wilson and Ryan O' Byrne -- who are both under contract. With Erik Johnson, Kyle Quincey, Jan Hejda, Jonas Holos, and Matt Hunwick already very likely to make the team (and top prospects Cameron Gaunce, Tyson Barrie, and Stefan Elliott close to NHL ready), at least one of these players is unlikely to make the Opening Night roster.

Defenseman Kyle Cumiskey was given a qualifying offer but has not yet reached a contract agreement. With the Avalanche move towards size, he appears likely to start the season in AHL Lake Erie. With the signing, Colorado is within $3 million of the salary floor, and will probably surpass it with a entry level contract to first round selection Gabriel Landeskog.

T.J. Galiardi Signs One Year Contract With Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche are quickly coming to terms with their restricted free agents, as they have signed winger T.J. Galiardi to a one-year deal worth $700,000.

Galiardi, a second round selection in 2007, was an impact player in 2009 during the Avalanche's surprising run to the playoffs. His versatile and gritty style, along with a tenacious forecheck, made Galiardi an incredibly valuable player. His 2010-2011 season was derailed by two separate wrist injuries and he only played in 35 total games (with limited effectiveness).

The Avalanche hope that Galiardi has fully recovered and can help bolster a very talented (but young) group of wingers, like first round pick Gabriel Landeskog, oft-injured Peter Mueller, new Swedish import Joakim Lindstrom, and David Jones. If healthy, this makes up one of the youngest groups in the NHL.

With this signing, Colorado has now agreed to terms with all their restricted free agents with qualifying offers except for defenseman Kyle Cumiskey.

Kevin Porter, Ryan Wilson Avoid Arbitration, Sign One-Year Deals With Avalanche

Kevin Porter and Ryan Wilson won't be going to arbitration with the Colorado Avalanche at the end of July after all. On Saturday, the team announced that they agreed to terms with both players on one-year deals.

Porter arrived in Colorado in March 2010 when the Avalanche trade Wojtek Wolski to Phoenix for him and Peter Mueller. He picked up two goals and an assist in 16 games that season. In the 2010-11 season, the forward tallied 14 goals and 11 assists, averaging nearly 14 minutes on the ice.

Defenseman Ryan Wilson enjoyed a solid sophomore season in 2010-11 for the Avalanche. Picking up 16 points, Wilson also picked up 68 penalty minutes and averaged just under 20 minutes each game.

Both will face stiff competition at their respective positions with a bunch of excellent talent making its way up the chain.

On Friday, the Avalanche announced the signings of goalie Cedrick Desjardins and forward Evan Brophey among seven total deals.

For more on the Avalanche and their offseason plans, visit Mile High Hockey.

Avalanche's Ryan Wilson, Kevin Porter File For Salary Arbitration

July 5 was the deadline for restricted free agents to file for salary arbitration, and two members of the Colorado Avalanche have decided to take this route.

The Avalanche currently have four restricted free agents who are unsigned, but have received qualifying offers from the club. Defenseman Ryan Wilson and forward Kevin Porter have decided to file for a hearing prior to the start of next season's camp. If the two sides cannot reach a salary agreement before their scheduled hearing, their case will be heard by an independent arbiter who will decide what their proper compensation should be for next season.

After the hearing, the Avalanche will have 48 hours to decide whether or not to accept the arbitration ruling. If they deem the price to be worthwhile, then Wilson or Porter will automatically be under contract for next season. But if Colorado doesn't like the named price, they are free to withdraw any rights claims and the player immediately becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Wilson, an undrafted defenseman, made great strides on the ice last season with his physical presence. But with the current glut of potential defensemen waiting in the wings, including top prospects Cameron Gaunce, Tyson Barrie, and Stefan Elliott, he faces fierce competition heading into camp.

Porter, acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009 (along with Peter Mueller in the Wojtek Wolski trade) had an inconsistent season. The former Hobey Baker Trophy winner has never quite shown the consistent scoring touch he had in college, but still figures to be a productive bottom six forward. Again, however, Colorado has quite a few young forwards pushing their way onto the roster. Players like Joey Hishon, Mark Olver, and Ryan Stoa all figure into Colorado's plans this coming season.

Washington Capitals Sign Tomas Vokoun After Trading Semyon Varlamov To Avalanche

Semyon Varlamov, Avalanche Agree On Three-Year, $8.5 Million Contract

After the Colorado Avalanche completed a trade with the Washington Capitals for goalie Semyon Varlamov, there were early reports that the team signed the netminder to a two-year, $5.5 million dollar deal. However, those contract details proved to be erroneous. On Saturday it was revealed (via Capgeek) that both sides agreed to a three-year, $8.5 million deal.

Varlamov will make $2.5 million in 2011 before taking in $3 million in each of the following seasons. His cap hit for each season will be $2,833,333. 

Varlamov will enter training camp as the projected starter with recently-signed Jean-Sebastien Giguere his backup. The Avalanche traded Craig Anderson in February and let Peter Budaj and Brian Elliott (received in the Anderson trade) leave via free agency.

On Saturday, the goalie did issue a statement through his agent, thanking the Capitals for his time there and wishing them best of luck. This came after Varlamov flirted with moving to Russia to play in the KHL after the Caps decided they didn't want to offer him a starter-level contract.

For more on the Avalanche and their offseason plans, visit Mile High Hockey.

Tomas Fleischmann, Peter Budaj Leave Colorado Avalanche Via Free Agency

On the first day of the 2011 NHL Free Agency period, the Colorado Avalanche made a splash by picking up four new players: goalies Semyon Varlamov and Jean-Sebastien Giguere, winger Chuck Kobasew and defenseman Jan Hejda. Varlamov was acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals for a 2012 first-rounder and a conditional second-rounder in either 2012 or 2013. He promptly signed a deal as a restricted free agent.

But those draft picks weren't the only things lost by the Avalanche on Friday. Tomas Fleischmann bolted for the Florida Panthers when presented with a four-year, $18 million deal. Fleischmann and the Avalanche had unfruitful talks about a new deal after his shortened season due to a blood clot. He had 12 goals and 31 points between the Avalanche and the Capitals.

The Avalanche also let both of their goalies at the end of the 2010-11 season leave through free agency. The team failed to offer a qualifying deal to Brian Elliott, who went 2-8-1 with a 3.83 ERA in 12 games after he was acquired in the Craig Anderson deal. He signed a one-year deal with the St. Louis Blues to back up Jan Halak. Peter Budaj (15-21-4, 0.895 SV, 3.20 GAA) signed a two-year, $2.3 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens to serve as Carey Price's backup.

For more on the Avalanche and their offseason plans, visit Mile High Hockey.

Avalanche Sign G Jean-Sebastien Giguere To Two Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche have continued rebuilding their goalie tandem, signing unrestricted free agent Jean-Sebastien Giguere to a two year contract. No details have been released as of yet.

UPDATE: Adrian Dater of The Denver Post is reporting the deal is worth $2.5 million total, for an average annual value of $1.25 million per season.

The Avalanche official press release can be found here.

Giguere has never quite rediscovered his Conn Smythe form from his2003 Finals loss or his outstanding performance during the 2007 Stanley Cup championship run with the Anaheim Ducks, but he should fit in nicely as a backup in Colorado. Last season, as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Giguere held a .900 SV% and 2.87 GAA through 33 games. At  34 years of age, he should still have plenty left in the tank.

Giguere profiles as a solid veteran backup to newly acquired netminder Semyon Varlamov, who is only 23 years old and has struggled with staying healthy in limited playing time. Varlamov has great upside and could develop into a very good young goalie, and Giguere is quality veteran insurance in case of injury.

Washington Capitals Announce No Intention To Trade Semyon Varlamov, Then Ship Him To Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche Sign RW Chuck Kobasew To Two Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche continue their free agent shopping, as they have signed free agent right winger Chuck Kobasew to a two year contract worth  $2.5 million.

Kobasew, the 14th overall selection in the 2001 NHL Draft, profiles as a physical third line winger with some offensive upside. He was a 20 goal scorer with the Boston Bruins in 2008 and 2009, but struggled to find scoring opportunities within the defense-oriented schemes of the Minnesota Wild. 

This is a very low-risk signing that gives Colorado veteran depth at winger, a position that was devastated by multiple injuries last season. He will likely have a spot on the Opening Night roster, and will force younger players like Kevin Porter and Daniel Winnik to compete for a starting spot. Kobasew may not be an impact free agent signing, but he gives quality depth and offensive upside to an Avalanche winger group that was depth challenged last season. 

Avalanche Making Early Waves In Free Agency

Colorado Avalanche Acquire G Semyon Varlamov From Washington Capitals For Draft Picks

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday that they acquired 23-year-old goalie Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a first- and a second-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft (or the second-rounder can be had in 2013). Varlamov has been the backup to Jose Theodore and Michal Neuvirth the last two seasons. In the 2010-11 season, he went 11-9-5 with a .924 save percentage and a 2.23 goals against average.

There were reports recently that Varlamov did not want to stay in the NHL if he had to re-sign with the Capitals, but this trade will likely keep him in the league and give him the uncontested starting spot in net for the Avalanche. Semyon was the 23rd overall choice of the 2006 NHL Draft by the Capitals.

With this move, the Avalanche have passed on free agent goalie Tomas Vokoun, who will receive a sizable pay day when he inks a contract.

For more on the Avalanche and their offseason plans, visit Mile High Hockey.

Colorado Avalanche Sign D Jan Hejda At Start Of Free Agency

While they continue their pursuit of free agent goalie Tomas Vokoun, the Colorado Avalanche started the free agency period with the signing of defenseman Jan Hejda, formerly of the Columbus Blue Jackets, to start filling in the gap left by the trade of John-Michael Liles. The deal is for four years and reportedly worth $13 million.

Hejda has played five seasons in the NHL, his first year with the Edmonton Oilers and the last four with the Blue Jackets. Hejda scored a career-high five goals in 2010-11 and reached 20 points, the second-best total of his career. Hejda adds more size to a defense that really could use it. He is 6-foot-4 and 237 pounds. The 33-year-old hails from Prague, Czech Republic, so he will have fellow countryman Milan Hejduk on the team. If the Avalanche add Vokoun in net that will make a third Czech player on the team. Fellow Czechs Tomas Fleischmann and David Koci are likely to leave via free agency this summer.

For more on the Avalanche and their offseason plans, visit Mile High Hockey.

Avalanche Offseason 2011: Ryan O'Byrne Signs Two Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche continue to lock up their restricted free agents with less than 24 hours remaining until the start of NHL Free Agency on July 1. They have signed defenseman Ryan O`Byrne to a two year contract worth $3.6 million, according to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post.

O'Byrne, 26, was acquired last December in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Avalanche prospect Michael Bournival. The physical defenseman added size and toughness to a Colorado defense that was sorely lacking in both departments. Though he projects as nothing more than a third pairing player, O'Byrne adds long-term stability to an Avalanche defensive corps that is projected to be very young next year.

The two year contract is particularly surprising, as Colorado has appeared hesitant to sign their restricted free agents to longer than a one year deal. At an average annual value of $1.8 million, Colorado is paying O'Byrne as a prominent member of the defense for the next couple of seasons. It's a vote of confidence for last year's midseason acquisition.

With this signing, Colorado is now $14.5 million away from the league required cap floor, but still have four more restricted free agents with qualifying offers that are unsigned.

Avalanche Offseason 2011: David Jones Signs One Year Contract

The Denver Post is reporting that restricted free agent and top forward David Jones has signed a qualifying offer with the Colorado Avalanche -- a one year, $2.5 million deal.This is a significant raise from his $850,000 salary last season.

Jones has always had talent, but injuries have plagued his brief NHL career. But he was finally healthy in 2010-2011, scoring a team-high 27 goals (along with Matt Duchene) and 18 assists. He saw significant playing time as a top six forward last season and projects as a candidate for more time this year, even with the addition of second overall selection Gabriel Landeskog.

With the signing, Colorado now has 15 players under contract for a total of just under $32 million in salaries. With five more restricted free agents tendered offers and to be signed before July 1 (the start of NHL free agency), Colorado will still need to spend significant money in free agency to hit the projected cap floor of $48.3 million.

Kevin Porter, Kyle Cumiskey, Ryan O'Byrne, Ryan Wilson, and TJ Galiardi were all tendered qualifying offers, and should receive contracts before July 1.

Avalanche Offseason 2011: Colorado Makes Qualifying Offers To Restricted Free Agents

With the 2011 NHL Draft in the books and free agency opening July 1, the Colorado Avalanche had several decisions to make on restricted free agents before the deadline. Adrian Dater of the Denver Post broke the news earlier today on Twitter.

There are very few surprises on this list. Forwards David Jones and Kevin Porter had excellent seasons and were virtually guaranteed of receiving a qualifying offer from the Colorado front office. TJ Galiardi will remain a reasonably priced bottom six forward with the flexibility to play as a top six forward for short periods of time. Defensemen Ryan Wilson and Ryan O'Byrne are decent lower pairing, physical defenders and were likely easy decisions for qualifying offers as well. Kyle Cumiskey, a speedy defenseman who missed much of last season with multiple injuries, has also been given an offer -- showing the Avalanche front office likes his play and feels he deserves another season.

Of the two non-qualifiers, Dupuis is the most surprising. (Dater obviously means Philippe Dupuis in his tweet.) Though he displayed impressive tenacity and decent penalty kill skills, Dupuis was a victim of the logjam at center. With Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny, Ryan O'Reilly, and Jay McClement all on the planned roster for Opening Night -- and 2010 first round selection Joey Hishon knocking down the door -- there was simply no more room for Dupuis. Without a qualifying offer, all other NHL teams are able to trade for his rights before the beginning of free agency.

Lastly, goalie Brian Elliott will not be returning to the Avalanche. The goalie was acquired from the Ottawa Senators at the deadline last spring in exchange for Craig Anderson, and given the last two months as an audition for one of the two goalie positions for the 2011-2012 season. Elliott did not do enough to impress Colorado management and will have to hope he finds a position in free agency. The Avalanche will now have to fill both goalie positions this summer out of organization -- either by acquiring another goalie's rights via trade or by shopping in free agency.

NHL Salary Cap To Hit $64 Million, or How The Avalanche Need To Spend Money This Offseason

Avalanche Targeting Top Goalie Tomas Vokoun?

One of the greatest weaknesses of the 2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche team was the lack of quality production from goaltenders. Craig Anderson (the team MVP in 2010) regressed substantially and was traded to the Ottawa Senators. Brian Elliot and Peter Budaj played hard, but were unable to stop the team's slide down the standings. The front office's declared goal is to improve the goaltending situation this offseason through either free agency or via a trade.

Cue the surprise: top free agent goalie Tomas Vokoun appears to be a serious target for Colorado starting July 1.

Even more surprising? Vokoun appears to prefer Colorado as a destination.

Vokoun, who turns 35 on July 2, has long been one of the top goalies in the league. He has consistently put up elite numbers while playing behind poor defenses with the Florida Panthers. The past four seasons, he has averaged .923 SV% and 2.47 GAA while facing 32 shots per game. As a team last year, Avalanche goalies were guilty of a miserable .895 SV% and a 3.32 GAA, all while allowing 31.6 shots per game.. 

If you simply substitute Vokoun's Goals Against Average in for 60 games last season, it's an improvement of 51 goals over the course of the season. The addition of Vokoun would give the Avalanche an essentially even goal differential, even with the team's extremely poor health last season. Granted, the numbers don't play like that over the course of a season. But there is no denying that Vokoun would be a massive improvement in goal.

As one of the few teams that have a severe need at goalie this offseason AND the cap space to get a major deal done, it's good to see the Avalanche front office taking their most glaring weakness seriously. It's even better to see a top free agent target cite Colorado as a place he would like to sign and play, something that has been missing from the franchise since the start of the salary cap era.

This is by no means a done deal; but the thought of an elite goalie such as Vokoun coming to Colorado is no longer a pipe dream. Avalanche fans could be in for an exciting offseason.

Avalanche Re-Sign F Ryan Stoa, D David Liffiton To One-Year Contracts

The Colorado Avalanche continue to be very active before the 2011 NHL Draft, as they’ve extended contracts to two players currently within the system.

Forward Ryan Stoa, 24, has received a two-way contract from the Avalanche for $803,000 that carries a salary cap hit of $850,000. Colorado’s second round selection out of the University of Minnesota in 2005, Stoa saw some significant playing time in the NHL this past season due to injuries. Unfortunately, he did not impress with his performance.

He played in 25 games — and with top line center Paul Stastny — and yet could only manage two goals and four total points. With other forwards quickly approaching the NHL level, like Joey Hishon, this could be Stoa’s last year with the organization unless he finally realizes his potential. He becomes a restricted free agent after this upcoming season.

The Avalanche also signed defenseman David Liffiton, 26, to a one year deal valued at $525,000. Liffiton, Colorado’s second round selection in 2005, has seen limited time in the NHL and is likely good depth for AHL Lake Erie Monsters. In case of injury, he would be one of the better options to fill a bench spot in Colorado. He’s responsible defensively and is armed with a good point shot. Liffiton appeared in just four games during the 2010-2011 season, scoring a goal and an assist.

Avalanche Sign Top European Free Agent LW Joakim Lindstrom

The Colorado Avalanche have started their offseason early this year, signing top European free agent Joakim Lindstrom to a contract according to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post. Dater reports the contract is a one-way deal for $600,000 guaranteeing Lindstrom a roster spot on the 2011-2012 Avalanche team.

The Colorado Avalanche have confirmed the signing.

Lindstrom, a second round selection in the 2002 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, last played in the NHL in 2008-2009 for the Phoenix Coyotes. He scored 20 points in 44 games with the Coyotes. The 27-year-old left winger has decided to return to the NHL this season after playing two years in the Swedish Elite League, where he was the leading scorer for his Skelleftea team. Lindstrom scored 11 points in 18 playoff games for Skelleftea last season.

A 2008 Hockey Futures scouting report has this to say about Lindstrom:

Lindström has great offensive skills. He doesn’t mind playing physical, he has a nose of the net and can deliver fine passes as well. Lindström has also good on-ice vision and hockey sense.

Widely considered the top free agent available out of Europe this offseason, this is a major signing for an Avalanche team that had its forward depth tested due to injury last season. Colorado has found great success in second chance projects such as Peter Mueller and Daniel Winnik in recent years, and Lindstrom profiles as a similar upside talent.

Flyers Trade With Coyotes For Bryzgalov's Rights, Avalanche Still Out In Cold

The Philadelphia Flyers made a significant trade, exchanging AHL forward Matt Clackson, a 2012 third-round draft pick, and another conditional draft selection with the Phoenix Coyotes for the rights to impending free agent goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

With less than a month until the start of free agency, the Flyers are racing against the clock to sign the veteran goalie and shore up their greatest weakness from the 2010-2011 season. During the 2011 postseason, Philadelphia rotated goalies Michael Leighton, Brian Boucher, and Sergei Brobovsky on their way to a sweep against the eventual Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins in the semifinals. A healthy Bryzgalov would make them a ferocious opponent in the upcoming season.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Bryzgalov has to agree to a contract before July 1; otherwise, the picks are a complete loss. Before they can agree to a contract, the Flyers must clear cap space. They are currently up against the projected cap for next season, and with only 18 players signed to a contract, In order to add Bryzgalov’s potential contract (likely more than $4 million per year), the Flyers would have to dump some of their higher salaries without gaining anything of value in return.

It was long expected that the Flyers would make such a move. Still, this trade injures teams like the Colorado Avalanche who have declared they will pursue a starting goalie this offseason via trade or free agency. With Bryzgalov potentially off the table, the next best option remaining is Thomas Vokoun, the 35 year old veteran from the Florida Panthers. But Vokoun would demand a high salary, something that that would cause cap savvy teams like Colorado to hesitate before offering a deal.

With Corey Crawford re-signing with Chicago, and now Bryzgalov likely to become a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Avalanche’s options are becoming more and more limited for a top-flight goalie. There are few veteran free agent options remaining, and the team may be forced to trade several prospects for a high upside starter such as the Los Angeles Kings’ backup Doug Bernier.

Blackhawks Sign G Crawford, Avalanche Free Agent Goalie Prospects Improve

The Colorado Avalanche have made it their stated offseason goal to improve the team's goaltending heading into next season. With limited options available in the free agent market this summer -- and with plenty of teams chasing the same goal -- it may be difficult for Colorado to find a quality starting goalie within their price range. Teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, and New York Islanders will all be looking heavily into upgrading via the free agent goalie market.

The Chicago Blackhawks were on that list until earlier today, when they agreed to a three year contract with restricted free agent Corey Crawford valued at $8 million. The 26 year old played well in his rookie season, eventually stealing the starting role from veteran Marty Turco. Crawford was a playoff hero for Chicago against the Vancouver Canucks, almost stealing Game Seven before falling in overtime.

How does this help the Avalanche? Corey Crawford was not one of the top goalies on the market. His rookie numbers were good, but not excellent. Crawford performed admirably in his first playoff experience, but struggled earlier in the series. His contract removes one of the biggest shoppers in this summer's free agent market, a cap-strapped Blackhawks team that was likely to be interested in players of the same caliber and price range as Colorado.

The Avalanche can now use their sizable cap space and flexibility to outbid essentially any team in the goalie free agent market, if they choose that route. With Chicago out of the picture, the buyer's market just became even more favorable for Colorado GM Greg Sherman.

Avalanche Offseason 2011: Hejduk Returns To Colorado For Another Season

After a disappointing season, the Colorado Avalanche have the pieces in place for an exciting offseason. The Avalanche only have 12 players currently signed to contracts, and over $30 million in cap space available to spend.

They also have the second overall selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, taking place in late June.

Colorado added another piece to the puzzle by announcing that veteran forward Milan Hejduk has decided to return for the 2011-2012 season. Hejduk had been considering retirement, but his successful 2010-2011 season (he scored 22 goals) convinced him that he can stay healthy for another year. He is currently tied with Joe Sakic for a franchise record with 11 straight 20+ goal season.

According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, Hejduk has signed a contract rated at $2.6 million this next season, with incentives that can match his $3 million salary from last year. This is a bargain rate for a player of Hejduk's caliber.

Stay tuned to this stream for more updates as the Avalanche offseason progresses, including free agent rumors and signings and visit our Avlaanche blog, Mile High Hockey.