Colorado Avalanche Sign Jean-Sebastien Giguere

The Avalanche have completed a total overhaul in the goaltending department.

Earlier today, the Avalanche traded their first-round draft pick in 2012 and their second-round pick in either 2012 or 2013 to Washington for goaltender Semyon Varlamov.  Now, reports are pouring in that Giguere will be another goaltender picked up by the Avalanche in the same day.

The Avalanche’s decisions have also forced former back-up goalie Peter Budaj to sign with the Montreal Canadiens.

Giguere is likely to be the top-guy in Colorado next season.  He posted an 11-11-4 record as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, recording a 2.87 GAA and a .900 save percentage.  He was held to just 33 games played due to a groin injury.

The Avalanche will also have Brian Elliott coming back next season, who was acquired mid-season from Ottawa for former starter Craig Anderson.  Reports are that Varlamov has committed to a team in Russia, but that was before the trade took place this afternoon.  The Avalanche could be looking at a three-way battle for two goaltender spots in 2011-12.

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