Andrew Brunette signed a one year extension with the Avs today. From the Avs site:
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced Wednesday that it has signed forward Andrew Brunette to a one-year contract extension good through the 2007-2008 season.
“Andrew had a very strong season last year,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. “He’s been a solid, consistent performer throughout his career and we’re looking for much of the same from him over the next two years. He’s a gifted athlete and a key contributor to our offense.”
Overall, I think Brunette was underrated last year, playing on the first line with Sakic. I think this is a good thing, and the right time to do the deal. But here’s something else to go alone with it.
According to the NHL Team Salaries Page, the Avs have 7 (now 8) players signed for the 2007-08 season, with 4 RFAs. Which means that next season (yes, I’m already looking at next year, while this one hasn’t started), we get to dump some of the dead weight. That means no more Klee, Arnason, Turgeon, Brisebos, and May. This is a do or die season for a lot of players, and then the Avs get some wiggle room. And they can start to build a new team with Joe Sakic (a UFA in 2007-08, but he’s not going anywhere). Brunette, I believe, will be worth having around for this year, and the next. He is a plug and play guy, put him in, and let him go.
I am not writing off this season, but having Brunette around, with the options available to the Avs, in 2007-08 is a good idea.
2 responses to “Brunette Signs Extention”
Shoulda called it “Brunette Wears Extension”. BTW, read over that first line – sounds like the team signed itself. LOL
Yeah Brunette is over rated. Good of the Avs to sign him for a longer period of time for sure.