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.