Marek Svatos, the Avalanche’s promising youngster who scored 32 goals last season, is close to agreement on a new contract with the team.
“We’ve resumed talks, and are hopeful of moving to a deal soon,” Svatos’ agent, Richard Evans, said Thursday.
Evans said he is optimistic an agreement will be reached by the time Avalanche players report for physicals Sept. 14.
Svatos, 24, tied Joe Sakic for the team goal-scoring lead last season. Svatos missed the final 21 games of the season because of a shoulder injury.
Evans said the timetable for Svatos’ return from shoulder surgery will preclude him from playing in all but one or two preseason games.
“It’s a process, but he’s ahead of schedule and things are good in that regard,” Evans said. “He’ll be ready for the start of the regular season.”
Svatos made the NHL minimum $450,000 last season. He elected to skip arbitration to negotiate a deal with the Avalanche, and talks have been bumpy at times. Talks broke off for a brief time this summer, but Evans said he has resumed communication with Avs management. Svatos is the lone unsigned Avalanche player, with the first day of training camp workouts set for Sept. 15.
Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com.
