Hockey: Avalanche sign Leopold, Sauer
Denver, CO (Sports Network) - The Colorado Avalanche signed defensemen Jordan Leopold and Kurt Sauer on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Leopold, who signed a two-year deal, played in just 15 games last season because of several injuries. He started the year on injured reserve after hernia surgery in the offseason. He also suffered a groin injury when he returned to action and missed the final 25 games of the season after fracturing his wrist.
"We believe in Jordan Leopold's abilities," said Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Francois Giguere. "He's entering the prime years of his career and we're confident he'll regain the form that he displayed in his first few seasons in the league."
Leopold had two goals and three assists last season in limited action due to his injuries.
Sauer, who inked a one-year deal, played in 48 games last season for Colorado and picked up six assists.
"Kurt emerged as a strong piece of our defensive corps in the second-half of the season," added Giguere. "He was put in many key situations and responded very well."
The Avalanche also announced that defenseman Jeff Finger signed a one-year contract while forward prospect David Jones inked a two-year deal.
Finger, who was called up by the Avs in February, played in 22 games, recording one goal and four assists.
The 26-year-old Leopold, who signed a two-year deal, played in just 15 games last season because of several injuries. He started the year on injured reserve after hernia surgery in the offseason. He also suffered a groin injury when he returned to action and missed the final 25 games of the season after fracturing his wrist.
"We believe in Jordan Leopold's abilities," said Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Francois Giguere. "He's entering the prime years of his career and we're confident he'll regain the form that he displayed in his first few seasons in the league."
Leopold had two goals and three assists last season in limited action due to his injuries.
Sauer, who inked a one-year deal, played in 48 games last season for Colorado and picked up six assists.
"Kurt emerged as a strong piece of our defensive corps in the second-half of the season," added Giguere. "He was put in many key situations and responded very well."
The Avalanche also announced that defenseman Jeff Finger signed a one-year contract while forward prospect David Jones inked a two-year deal.
Finger, who was called up by the Avs in February, played in 22 games, recording one goal and four assists.
