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.