Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Colorado Avalanche Announce Three Signings Today

07/01/2019 at 3:25pm EDT

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent forward Joonas Donskoi on a four-year contract through the 2022-23 season.

Donskoi, 27, completed his fourth NHL season with the San Jose Sharks in 2018-19, setting career highs in games (80), points (37), goals (14-tied), game-winning goals (4) and plus/minus rating (+10-tied). He tied for third on the Sharks in plus/minus and tied for fourth in game-winning tallies. The Raahe, Finland, native added three points (1g/2a) in 12 playoff games, which included scoring the winning goal in San Jose’s Game 7 victory over Colorado in the second round series (May 8).

“Joonas is a dependable player who plays 200 feet and uses his speed well in transition,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. “He is coming off his best NHL season and brings playoff experience to our lineup. We are excited to have him under contract for the next four years.”

Two more below.

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare on a two-year contract through the 2020-21 season.

Bellemare, 34, has spent the last two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights and tallied 15 points (6g/9a) in 76 games in 2018-19 while serving as an alternate captain. During the 2017-18 campaign, he finished with 16 points (6g/10a) in 72 contests, setting career highs in assists and points and helping Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season.

Signed by Philadelphia as a free agent on June 11, 2014, Bellemare was selected by Vegas in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft and has totaled 65 points (29g/36a) in 385 career NHL contests with the Flyers and Golden Knights. He has four points (0g/4a) in 31 total postseason appearances.

"Pierre-Edouard is a very good defensive forward and penalty killer who is also strong on faceoffs," said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. "He brings added leadership and a veteran presence to our team."

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Colin Wilson on a one-year contract for the upcoming 2019-20 season.

Wilson, 29, completed his 10th NHL season in 2018-19, his second with the Avalanche, tallying 27 points (12g/15a) in 65 games. He finished eighth on the team in goals and fourth in power-play tallies (5). He appeared in his 600th career NHL game on Feb. 2 vs. Vancouver, becoming the 13th member of the 2008 draft class to reach the milestone.

Wilson went on to add eight points (4g/4a) in 12 playoff games, tying him for third on the team in both goals and points. He led Colorado with three power-play goals during the postseason, the most by an Avalanche skater in the playoffs since Andrew Brunette had three in 2008.

Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Wilson has recorded 282 points (113g/169a) in 623 NHL games. He has also skated in 65 career postseason contests, notching 33 points (17g/16a).

“We are excited to have Colin back for another season” said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. “He played an important role on our second line and power-play unit last season and was one of our better players down the stretch, especially in the playoffs. He brings leadership and experience to our dressing room.”

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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