Eurolanche

Avalanche signs Benoit

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed defenseman Andre Benoit to a one-year contract through the 2013-14 season.

Benoit, 29, appeared in 33 games for the Ottawa Senators this past season, recording 10 points (3g/7a).  He also dressed in five playoff contests for the Senators, collecting three assists.  He was the Senators’ nominee for the 2012-13 Bill Masterton Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey).

“Andre brings added depth to our blue line,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic.  “He has good offensive skills and puck-moving ability and will be a good addition to our power play.”

Originally signed by Montreal as a free agent in 2006, the 5-foot-11, 191-pound defenseman has dressed in 41 career NHL games, tallying 11 points (3g/8a).  He spent the 2011-12 season with Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League after making his NHL debut with Ottawa in 2010-11.  The St. Albert, Ontario native played his junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League from 2000-05.

-Avalanche Press Release-

Eurolanche´s note: The deal is for 900 000 USD. One-way deal.