According to a team release, the Colorado Avalanche have re-signed netminder Calvin Pickard for two years prior to the arbitration deadline. Pickard got into 20 games at the NHL level last season, performing admirably with a 2.56 GAA and .922 save percentage.
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post gives us the financial details on the deal, which will see Pickard earn $925K in the first year, and $1.075MM in the second.
With Reto Berra dealt to the Panthers earlier this offseason, the door is wide open for Pickard to become the full-time backup for Semyon Varlamov. The duo will be earning a combined $6.925MM per season, a reasonable number for a team looking to get a handful of young RFAs under contract.
Pickard has performed well since being drafted 49th overall in 2010, and should eventually push for the starting role in Colorado. With Varlamov due to become an unrestricted free agent in three years, Colorado will see if the 24-year old Pickard has what it takes to become a number one in this league.
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