Former Avalanche winger Ian Laperriere, one of the most popular players in team history, on Wednesday signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Laperriere, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year contract worth $3.5 million.
NHL sources said the Avs offered Laperriere, 35, a one-year contract at less than the $1.15 million he made last season, an offer that was quickly rejected last week.
The NHL’s free-agent signing period started Wednesday.
“I’m very happy,” Laperriere said.
In four seasons in Colorado, Laperriere scored 40 goals and recorded 72 assists. He had seven goals, 12 assists and 163 penalty minutes last season, when he was an alternate captain on the team.
Laperriere is known by Avs fans as a scrappy, excitable player.
“I had a great time in Denver for the past four years. Thank you, fans, for your support,” Laperriere told The Denver Post earlier this week.
He has also played for St. Louis, the New York Rangers and Los Angeles in a 15-season NHL career.
The Flyers also signed goalie Brian Boucher.
“I had a great time in Denver for the past four years. Thank you, fans, for your support,” Laperriere told The Denver Post earlier this week.
“I’d like to thank the Lacroix family as well, as they are the reason I had a chance to live in and enjoy Denver. There is a good chance Denver is going to be our home when I’m done playing.”
