The Colorado Avalanche announced on Saturday morning that the club signed forward Matt Duchene to a two-year contract that will take him through the 2013-14 season. The third-year player was set to become a restricted free agent this summer before this deal and will still be one when it ends.
TSN's Bob McKenzie reports that Duchene will make $3.25 million for the 2012-13 season and $3.75 million for the final year of the deal. That makes his cap hit $3.5 million -- all in all a very favorable number for the Avalanche, as Mile High Hockey writes.
Duchene, the third overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, has 150 career points in three seasons, including 65 goals. However, he battled through knee and ankle injuries this past season, amassing just 28 points in 58 games. The 21-year-old will be looked upon for a rebound this season.
For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey. For more news and notes around the league, head over to SB Nation NHL.