The Avalanche pulled off a major coup signing Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne to one year deals last week. The pair took a pay cut (especially Kariya who signed for $1.2m) to play together in Colorado. So how do Forsberg - Hejduk - Tanguay and Kariya - Sakic - Selanne sound as the first two lines? Not bad I would say!

I haven't heard much reaction from the Mighty Ducks organization, though one can assume that they would be disappointed. Had they given Kariya a qualifying offer, he wouldn't have been able to sign for the low amount he did with Colorado. Kariya is a franchise player, and before the advent of the 'clutch and grab' NHL, was one of the more prolific scorers in the league.

By signing under the league minimum, he becomes an unrestricted free agent next year and the Colorado Avalance have no long term committments as we move to a potentially hostile post-CBA environment. Sounds like a pretty good deal for all involved...so you wonder why Vancouver's Brian Burke had his undies in a knot!