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.