The Colorado Avalanche are beefing up their forward corps.
Jaden Schwartz signed a three-year, $9.75-million deal with the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday.
Schwartz, 34, had 11 goals and 15 assists in 50 games last year for the Seattle Kraken, his fifth campaign with the club since joining them ahead of their inaugural season. Prior to his Kraken tenure, he spent parts of 10 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, including their 2019 Stanley Cup run. He took on a leadership role in both markets, wearing an "A" on his sweater for four years in St. Louis and all five in Seattle.
Over 861 career games, the Wilcox, Sask., native has 233 goals and 320 assists.
Colorado's new winger, who has ties to the area from his college days at Colorado College, should fit nicely into the squad's middle six — a group that has made efforts to bulk up its depth.
Though injuries have slowed him down at times, Schwartz brings a strong presence to an Avalanche team looking to keep its foot on the gas. And if he stays healthy, his $3.25 AAV could prove to be a steal.
COL