Colorado Avalanche sign Chris Stewart
The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday night that they have come to terms with restricted free-agent forward Chris Stewart. Although the official terms have yet to be released, the contract is believed to be a two year deal worth $5.75 - $6 million for an annual cap hit of approximately $3 million per season.
"We are pleased to have Chris Stewart under contract," said Colorado general manager and executive vice president Greg Sherman. "Chris was one of our top offensive players last season and we look forward to seeing him build on what he started."
The Avalanche originally drafted Stewart with the 18th pick in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry draft after back-to-back, 80-plus point seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. The 22 year-old power forward did not make an immediate impact and spent three years in the minors before getting a shot with the Avalanche in the 2008-09 season. He finished the year with 11 goals and 19 points in 53 games.
Last year, Stewart again started the season in the AHL with the Lake Erie Monsters, but was quickly called up just a few games into the season. Stewart then enjoyed a fine breakout campaign, as he led the Avalanche with 28 goals, finishing second in team scoring with 64 points in 77 games. Stewart also helped upstart the Avalanche to the playoffs, scoring three goals in six games in a first round loss to the San Jose Sharks.
The Avalanche will be hoping the Toronto native can match or even improve this season and continue to perform, along with fellow young gun Matt Duchene. After finishing 28th overall with only 69 points and failing to make the playoffs in 2008-09, the two young forwards were an integral part of the Avalanche’s success last season, improving to 95 points and qualifying for the postseason.
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