Avalanche Fill Goaltending Vacancies By Way Of Trade & Free Agency

The biggest gaping hole for the Colorado Avalanche heading into next season was undoubtedly in between the pipes. Amidst a bit of a rebuild, having dependable goaltending is crucial for the Avs and therefore required careful consideration to any available options by way of free agency or trade. As it turns out, Colorado went both routes.

The Avalanche first made a play for Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals, who was likely headed to the KHL had he been unable to find an NHL suitor willing to pay him reasonable dough and offer him acceptable playing time. Colorado somewhat ignorantly surrendered a potential lottery pick in the first round next year, as well as a second rounder in either 2012 or 2013, in exchange for a goalie that's claim to fame is one splendid playoff series against the New York Rangers two years ago. It became even more questionable when Varlamov was signed on a two-year deal worth $2.75 million per season - or a figure that only would have cost Colorado just a second round pick had it been tendered via an offer sheet. Avs general manager Greg Sherman, however, contends Washington would have matched it - a point I find debatable considering there was relatively little future left for him with the Capitals. Now, the Caps lose a goaltender they weren't really going to invest into all that much further and have a potential lottery pick in their pocket considering Colorado is still a ways away from being playoff contenders.

While a move of that nature made it logical to assume the 23-year old Russian would be Colorado's No. 1 netminder, a later move made for either an interesting training camp or legitimate splitting of starts for next year.



The Avalanche followed up Varlamov's acquisition with the signing of Jean-Sebastien Giguere to a two-year, $2.5 million contract. At $1.25 million per season, the 34-year old former Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe Trophy recipient is a nice veteran addition to the team. Maybe his best days are behind him and he can't quite come up as huge as he did on a nightly basis as a member of the Anaheim Ducks. But Giguere is not yet a mere backup and will surely compete for the starting job against Varlamov, who is still largely unproven over the long haul. And though Varlamov may be the guy Colorado is hoping will develop into their franchise goalie of the future, I'm leaning toward Giguere turning into the more rewarding of the two additions.

The Avalanche ended last year with Peter Budaj and Brian Elliott sporting their crease, so Varlamov and Giguere are obvious upgrades now that Budaj signed in Montreal to backup Carey Price and Elliott will assume a similar role behind Jaroslav Halak in St. Louis. But Colorado really paid more than it needed to for a questionable young goalie, especially right before signing a still reliable veteran that may end up becoming the Avs' top option for the next year or two anyway.