Continuing a recent trend, the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms with their other top 2010 draft pick, second round selection goaltender Calvin Pickard. Even though Colorado still controlled the draft rights with Pickard until June 2012, they decided to give the young stud goalie a vote of confidence and sign him to a three year contract before it was necessary.
Pickard was recently named to the WHL Western Conference All-Star second team after a spectacular season with the Seattle Thunderbirds. He has posted a .916 SV% despite facing 900 more shots than those goalies ranked above him. He’s also posted league highs in games played and time on ice. With the sheer number of shots that Pickard has faced, his numbers are very impressive.
Because he is only 18 years old, Pickard will not be eligible to play in the AHL next season, and will likely have one more season with the WHL Seattle team. If so, his contract is automatically deferred a season, and will start at the beginning of the 2012-2013 season.
According to capgeek.com, Pickard’s contract will have a cap hit of $843k, whenever it starts. It will include a NHL salary of $790k the first season, and increase to $900k in the final year of the entry level contract.