The Colorado Avalanche came into this offseason with quite a few restricted free agents to sign, and they continued to lock them up on Friday by agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with forward Steve Downie.
The team did not release the financial terms but according to TSN's Bob McKenzie the deal carries an average salary cap hit of $2.65 million.
“Since his arrival, Steve has provided a unique combination of grit and skill to our lineup,” said Avalanche General ManagerGreg Sherman. “We’re looking forward to Steve’s contributions to our team for the next two years.”
Downie, a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers back in 2005, was acquired by Colorado prior to the trade deadline this past season from the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 20 games with the Avalanche after the trade he scored two goals to go with 11 assists, and for the season finished with 14 goals in 75 games.
He's scored 55 goals and recorded 654 penalty minutes in 272 games with the Flyers, Lightning and Avalanche.
In recent weeks the Avalanche have come to terms with Matt Duchene, Ryan Wilson, Shane O'Brien. The biggest names still remaining on their restricted free agent list are their leading scorer from last season Ryan O'Reilly, as well as top defenseman Erik Johnson.
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