Along with trying to secure his few remaining unsigned players, new Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere now must find a chief scout.
Jim Hammett, who has been Colorado’s chief scout for eight years, has accepted a position with Hockey Canada as head scout for its men’s programs. The Avalanche said Hammett’s contract was not renewed.
Hammett, a native of Kelowna, British Columbia, oversaw the Avalanche’s draft choices last month in Vancouver. He replaced Dave Draper as the Avs’ chief scout in 1998.
“This represents a great opportunity and challenge,” Hammett said. “I look forward to working with the coaches, staff and players in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, with a goal of bringing more gold medals back to Canada.”
Sauer signs
Kurt Sauer, who became a regular player in the second half of last season for the Avalanche, has re-signed.
The defenseman signed a one-year, $685,000 contract. He made $718,200 last season.
Sauer, 25, played 37 games during the regular season, scoring one goal and adding four assists. He was demoted to Lowell of the American Hockey League, but he played the final 28 games after Ossi Vaananen broke his ankle Feb. 2.
The lone unsigned defenseman from last season is John- Michael Liles, who has elected for salary arbitration.
Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
