Avalanche Sign Three Players

[Humpzilla]

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that forwards Dan Hinote and rookie Marek Svatos along with defenseman Jeff Finger are under contract with the club, each signing their qualifying offers.

Hinote, 28, originally drafted by the Avalanche 167th overall in the 1996 Entry Draft, is set to begin his sixth season with the organization. Hinote has appeared in 280 career NHL contests and 60 post-season games, all with the Avalanche.

“Dan brings a great amount of energy to our lineup,” said Avalanche President and General Manager Pierre Lacroix. “He’s a fierce competitor.”

Svatos, 23, was the Avs’ tenth pick (227th overall) in the 2001 Entry Draft. Despite missing the majority of his rookie season in 2003-04, scored a pair of goals in his only four games of the season and went on to tally a goal and five assists in 11 playoff games. His lone goal was an overtime winner in Game Four of the opening playoff round against the Dallas Stars.

“Marek has demonstrated that he has all the skills necessary to be a productive skater for us,” said Lacroix. “We’re excited about his future with our organization.”

Finger, 25, the Avs’ 11th pick (240th overall) in the 1999 Entry Draft out of St. Cloud State played 75 games for Hershey in the 2004-05 season, recording 15 points (4g/11a) in his second professional season.

“We like the way he’s played in his first two pro seasons,” said Lacroix. “With experience, we feel he’s going to be an asset for our organization.”

[Fighting Wombats]

We all know who else is happy right about now!!

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Svatos is a keeper for sure he`s gonna do great things for the Avs in the future.

[Blouin]

Is Finger going to play big league or minors?

[KOd]

Originally Posted by Blouin

Is Finger going to play big league or minors?

Minors, unless he can learn to play up front. The Avs have 6 returning D-men plus Briseboise.