Ian Laperriere, one of the most popular players in Avalanche history, signed with the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday.
The free-agent forward accepted a three-year contract worth $3.5 million.
The Avalanche offered Laperriere, 35, a one-year deal worth less than the $1.15 million he made last season. The offer was rejected last week.
The NHL’s free- agent signing period started Wednesday.
“I’m very happy,” Laperriere said.
In four seasons with the Avs, Laperriere scored 40 goals and had 72 assists. He had seven goals, 12 assists and 163 penalty minutes last season, when he was an alternate team captain.
Laperriere was sought by several teams at the NHL trade deadline in March, but the Avalanche decided to keep him.
Laperriere is known 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 this week.
He also has played for the St. Louis Blues, the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings in a 15-season NHL career.
The Flyers also signed goaltender Brian Boucher.
