Avalanche Sign Jan Hejda, Chuck Kobasew, J.S. Giguere

The Colorado Avalanche announced on the first day of free agency that they have signed defenseman Jan Hejda to a four-year contract worth $13 million and right wing Chuck Kobasew and goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere to two-year contracts worth $2.5 million a piece. Hejda's contract will average out to $3.25 million per year, while Kobasew and Giguere's deals will pay them $1.25 million per season. In 77 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Hejda had five goals and 15 assists for 20 points, while Kobasew had nine goals and seven assists for 16 points in 63 games with the Minnesota Wild. In 33 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Giguere posted an 11-11-4 record, with a 2.87 GAA, and a .900 save percentage. These are decent signings for the Avalanche, as all three players will add lots of veteran depth to the team at their respective positions. Hejda brings lots of puck-moving ability to the blueline, as well as lots of skill as a shutdown defenseman. Kobasew gives the Avalanche some two-way ability on the forward lines, as well as some speed. Giguere brings a wealth of experience in goal and is a solid contributor who can win games when he is at the top of his game. Look for him to serve as a mentor to the newly acquired Semyon Varlamov.