The Colorado Avalanche announced that they have signed 25-year-old Brandon Yip to a two year contract. Yip was a restricted free agent this season. He enjoyed a successful but injury filled season throughout 2009-10.
Vancouver, Canada native Brandon Yip was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche 239th overall in the eight round of the 2004 National Hockey League entry draft. Yip elected to go to Boston University and dominated during his rookie season, scoring an impressive 31 goals in just 39 games.
Yip's outstanding play earned him Hockey East Rookie of the Year. Yip continued at Boston University winning the national championship with the school in the 2008-09 season. Yip also graduated from Boston University with honours and a degree in criminal justice. Yip then went on to sign an entry level deal with the Colorado Avalanche.The Avalanche sent him down to the teams American Hockey League affiliates, the Lake Erie Monsters.
Yip was called up by the Avalanche on December 18, 2009 and finished out the season with 11 goals, 8 assists for 19 points, which added up to 0.34 goals-per-game, ledding all rookies in the catagory. Yip continued his growth during the playoffs finishing as the teams second leading scorer with four points in six games.
Good Signing for Avs
Locking up another youngster is good news for one of the league’s youngest and most surprising teams. No one expected the Avalanche’s turn around to happen so abruptly, but riding on the backs on their young stars the Avs were able to sneak their way into the playoffs.
The Yip signing confirms that the Avalanche plan to stay the course. Yip will certainly be an integral part of the Avs plans next season. The team has parted ways with veterans Marek Svatos and Darcy Tucker and is clearly looking towards a younger future. Yip should slot in comfortably on the wing beside young centre men such as Matt Duchene, Peter Mueller and Paul Stastny.
The young winger obviously has a scoring touch, as wherever he has gone he has managed to put the puck in the net. If Yip is able to translate his game last year from 39 games to an entire season the effect of both Svatos’ and Tucker’s departures should not be felt to heavily.
Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman spoke highlight of Yip, saying “we're please to have Brandon under contract...with his energy and style of play, we think he can be a solid player for our team.”
Smart Decision by Yip
Yip made a good decision staying with Colorado. He has signed a two year deal thus guaranteeing himself an NHL salary for the next two season, as well as giving himself an opportunity to play and perform every night.
The Colorado Avalanche appear unafraid to start young lineups, an attitude that is sure to benefit the young winger. He’s demonstrated throughout his career, that if he gets the ice time he lives up to expectations. Yip will hope to stay healthy this season, as in the 2009-10 campaign he missed the beginning of the year with a hand injury and the majority of March with an injury to his shoulder. If Yip can stay in top physical condition there is no telling what he might be able to do, and how much he might grow surrounded by Colorado's young team.
The Brandon Yip signing looks to be good for both parties. The Avalanche get a gifted young goal scorer to add to their crop of prospects, while Yip gets the ice time and opportunity coveted by any young player looking to make a name for themselves.
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