Avalanche Re-Sign McLeod, Jones, Hunwick

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have re-signed right wing Cody McLeod to a three-year contract worth $3.5 million, right wing David Jones to a four-year contract worth $16 million, and defenseman Matt Hunwick to a two-year contract worth $3.2 million.  McLeod's deal will average out to $857,000 per season, while Jones' contract will pay him $4 million per season.  Hunwick's deal will average out to $1.6 million per year.  All three players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1.  In 75 games last season, McLeod had six goals and five assists for 11 points and 164 penalty minutes, while Jones had 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points in 72 games.  In 33 games last season, Hunwick had three goals and three assists for six points.  He was a healthy scratch for much of the 2011-12 season.

These aren't bad moves for the Avalanche, as all three players will add some depth to the team.  McLeod will continue to bring lots toughness and grit to the forward lines, while Jones brings plenty of offensive depth and goal scoring ability to the team.  However, $4 million per season for his skill level is a bit high and will likely set the bar in free agency for players of similar skill.  Hunwick has some puck-moving ability and will likely play as a sixth or seventh defenseman over the next two years.

Avalanche Sign Matt Hunwick to One-Year Deal

According to thehockeynews.com, the Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Matt Hunwick to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Avalanche last November from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Colby Cohen. In 73 games last season with the Bruins and Avalanche, Hunwick had one goal and 12 assists for 13 points. Not a bad depth signing for Colorado, as Hunwick will bring plenty of puck-moving skill and some offensive ability to their blueline next season.

Avalanche Acquire Matt Hunwick from Bruins for Colby Cohen

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have acquired defenseman Matt Hunwick from the Boston Bruins in exchange for prospect defenseman Colby Cohen. In 22 games this season, Hunwick has one goal and two assists for three points. Cohen has no points in three NHL games so far this season. For the Avalanche, they get a puck-moving defenseman in Hunwick, who has some offensive skill and adds a little bit more experience to their injury-ravaged blueline. For the Bruins, they get a decent defensive prospect in Cohen, who has good size and toughness. as well as some offensive upside. The move also sheds $1.55 million in salary to make room for Marc Savard, who is set to return to the lineup in the near future after being sidelined with a concussion since last May.

Bruins Re-Sign Defenseman Hunwick to Two-Year Contract

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Matt Hunwick to a two-year contract worth $2.9 million. The deal averages out to $1.45 million per season. In 53 games last season with the Bruins, Hunwick scored six goals and 21 assists for 27 points. In 66 career games with the team, he has six goals and 22 assists for 28 points. This is a decent move for Boston, as Hunwick has good puck-moving skills and some offensive potential, as well as the potential to become a top-four defenseman. If he can continue to improve his skills over the next couple of seasons, the Bruins could look to keep Hunwick long-term.