The Colorado Avalanche have added another veteran forward, signing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to a two-year contract according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Bellemare’s deal will carry a $1.8MM average annual value.
The 34-year-old forward produced two solid seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights after the team selected him the their expansion draft back in 2017. He immediately joined the franchise’s fourth-line energy line and centered one of their most effective lines, putting up 12 goals and 31 points over two seasons there. While the Golden Knights expressed interest in bringing Bellemare back, Vegas’ roster and salary cap space limited the team although the Golden Knights were involved in negotiations until late.
The Avalanche will add the veteran to helm the team’s fourth line as he likely will pair with newly re-signed Colin Wilson to revitalize the team’s bottom-sixth depth which needed some more skilled players. He should also play a key role in the team’s defense as he was one of Vegas’ top penalty killers.
That sucks. We will miss you, Bellie!