The Colorado Avalanche are trying to keep the band together.
The team has re-signed two members of their Stanley Cup-winning team, as Valeri Nichishkin inked an eight-year deal and Andre Cogliano re-upped for one year. Next up, Darren Helm will reportedly be sticking around on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million.
Helm spent the first 14 seasons of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, where he helped the team win the 2008 Stanley Cup in his rookie season. Helm joined the Avs last summer on a one-year, $1 million contract.
Over 68 games for the Avs in 2021-22, Helm scored seven goals and 15 points and was one of the team’s most frequently used penalty killers. Helm also added two goals in the playoffs, including the series-winning goal with six seconds left on the clock in Game 6 against the St. Louis Blues in the second round.
The Avs have multiple other players from their Stanley Cup-winning team in need of new deals. Artturi Lehkoknen is a restricted free agent while Nazem Kadri, Darcy Kuemper, and Josh Manson are unrestricted free agents. Nathan MacKinnon is also eligible to hit the open market next summer as a UFA.
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