Avalanche Sign Scott Parker and Johnny Boychuk to One-Year Contracts

[Thrillhouse]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced Wednesday that the team has signed forward Scott Parker and defenseman Johnny Boychuk to one-year contracts for the 2007-08 season.

Parker was re-acquired by the Avalanche from San Jose in exchange for a sixth-round selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft on Feb. 27, 2007. He appeared in 10 games for Colorado this past season, notching a goal and one assist. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound right wing played in a combined 21 games between Colorado and San Jose, recording two points (1g/1a) and 28 penalty minutes.

Parker, 29, was one of four first round picks (20th overall) by the Avalanche in the 1998 Entry Draft. He spent his first four NHL seasons with Colorado and was a member of the Avalanche’s 2001 Stanley Cup Championship team. He was traded to San Jose for a fifth round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft on June 21, 2003. The Hanford, Calif., native has appeared in 283 career NHL games, recording 21 points (7g/14a) and 629 penalty minutes.

“Scott is an intimidating player who brings energy and toughness to our team,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager Francois Giguere.

Boychuk, 23, was Colorado’s second selection (61st overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He spent this past season with Albany of the American Hockey League, where he appeared in a team-high 80 games. Boychuk finished second among River Rats defensemen in scoring with 28 points (10g/18a) and ranked fourth on the team in penalty minutes (125). The Edmonton, Alberta native also skated in five playoff games for the River Rats, recording a goal and one assist.

[Humpzilla]

If Parker can stay healthy, I look forward to seeing 2-3 scraps with the Boogie monster next season.

[Snipes19]

Good move by the Avs to re-sign him. They depserately need a heavyweight because Lappy cannot handle the load all by himself.

But, they hardly even played Parker last season. Hopefully he has a full-time spot on the 4th line this year. A Boogaard-Parker bout would be great to see, because they are two of the scariest guys in the league, IMO.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Godd signing now they just need to give him some ice time!

[Colt Seavers]

All these teams is re-signing all these enforcers who have limited hockey skills. Lucky fans! I like the quote-"Scott is an intimidating player who brings energy and toughness to our team." That's from a GM, Ladies and Gentlemen!

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Originally Posted by rjman48

All these teams is re-signing all these enforcers who have limited hockey skills. Lucky fans! I like the quote-"Scott is an intimidating player who brings energy and toughness to our team." That's from a GM, Ladies and Gentlemen!

They didnt call Parker the Sheriff for nothing!

[BGDDYKWL]

Great news. Parker's always been one of my favorite enforcers. The guy has a presence about him which makes him a lot more entertaining than most IMO. I just hope that he doesn't spend most of his time scratched like he did with the Sharks. I'd love to see him in 60-70 games this season to see if he still has it.

[forsberg21]

booya! The sheriff is back in town. Im optimisic he is gonna get a good amount of playing time next season.

[Sandmachine]

Boychuk should get into his fair share of scraps too I would think.

[Podollan]

Originally Posted by Sandmachine

Boychuk should get into his fair share of scraps too I would think.

Yes, he did well against Bootland last PreSeason. He doesn't fight too much but if he does he does well. He is a decent middleweight.

[canuckfan]

Good stuff about Parker - hopefully we'll see him play in more than 20 games next year though.

Does anyone else get the feeling this could be a "do or die" season for Parker? If he can't stay healthy or make an impact on the team this season, I'm not sure how many more lives this guy will have left to spend in the NHL.

[DaveBrown69]

Maybe all this toughening up is from the way the Ducks ended up successful?

[Colt Seavers]

Originally Posted by DaveBrown69

Maybe all this toughening up is from the way the Ducks ended up successful?

Could be -the trickle down effect.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Tough wingers and scoring defensemen...This twisted plan is starting to take shape gentlemen!

[Odjick29]

All these tough/gritty guys getting new contracts so soon, Moen, Parros, Parker, Alberts, Gratton, looks like all teams want to follow the Ducks philosophy, if we see more fights next year, we really need to thank Burke