Avalanche Sign Enforcer David Koci to One-Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Wednesday that they have signed left wing David Koci to a one-year contract worth $575,000. Koci signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer after a two-year stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, but was claimed off waivers in October by the St. Louis Blues. After only four games in St. Louis, the Lightning reclaimed him off waivers from the Blues. In 37 games last season with the Lightning and Blues, he scored one goal and one assist for two points and a whopping 141 penalty minutes. Koci is probably best remembered for his infamous fight with Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara a few seasons ago that left Koci covered in blood from head to toe. This is an okay signing for the Avalanche, as Koci will definitely bring lots of toughness to the team, but don’t expect him to jump into the play as he has no offensive upside whatsoever. He could end up being a lot of trouble on the ice for the Avalanche, as he seems more interested in taking penalties than actually playing hockey.