DENVER - The Avalanche prepared for the potential loss of several key front-line players, signing former Sharks captain Vincent Damphousse to a one-year, $2-million contract. Damphousse, San Jose's leading scorer, gives Colorado a solid scoring threat in what could be a difficult offseason.
Star forward Peter Forsberg hasn't decided if he'll return to the NHL or end his career at home in Sweden, and the Avalanche also could lose forward Paul Kariya. Teemu Selanne, who signed with Kariya on the same day before last season, isn't expected to return after one disappointing season in Denver.
"Vincent Damphousse provides us with quality forward depth," general manager Pierre Lacroix said. "His versatility and experience will definitely contribute to the future success of our club."
Of course, whether anyone plays this season remains to be seen. The collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15 and not much progress has been made. But if the players don't get locked out, the Avalanche will add a durable goal scorer who has shown he still has something left at 36. The four-time All-Star is 38th on the all-time scoring list with 1,205 points.
FLAMES: Calgary re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Jordan Leopold to a one-year, $950,000 contract. Leopold, 24, had a career-high nine goals and 24 assists last season. He added 10 assists in 26 playoff games. He will play for Team USA in the World Cup of Hockey.
ISLANDERS: Forward Oleg Kvasha signed a one-year, $1.5-million contract. Kvasha had his best season last year, with 15 goals and 51 points.
