The Colorado Avalanche lost out on defenseman Matt Carkner on Day 1 of NHL free agency, but they quickly swooped in after that to pick up Greg Zanon, formerly of the Boston Bruins, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie:

COL's deal with Greg Zanon is two years, $4.5m total.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2012

Zanon split the 2011-12 season first with the Minnesota Wild before a trade to the Boston Bruins. He totaled three goals and eight points in 56 games between the two teams. He had just 18 penalty minutes and posted a plus/minus of plus-three.

His best season came in 2009-10 when he had 13 assists and 15 points in 81 games.

Matt Duchene has already welcomed his newest teammate to the Mile High City by doing so on Twitter.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey. For more news and notes around the league, head over to SB Nation NHL.