The Avalanche prevented from testing free agency by signing the defenseman to a two-year, $2.9 million contract extension Tuesday. Barberio will make $1.45 million in each of the next two seasons, nearly doubling his recent two-year contract worth $800,000 and $700,000, respectively.
Barberio, 28, missed 46 games this season because of an upper-body injury, but played in all six of Colorado’s playoff games, finishing third on the team in average ice time (22:18) in the postseason.
“Mark has been a steady part of our blue line since joining the team and has helped solidify our defensive depth,” Avalanche general manager said in a release. “He has played important minutes for us and has been a key penalty killer. We are pleased to have Mark under contract for the next two seasons.”
Barberio was claimed on waivers from the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 2, 2017, and played in all 34 remaining contests for the Avalanche to close out the 2016-17 season. He was a top-four defenseman for the Avs this season before sustaining his injury.
Barberio is now the ninth Avalanche defenseman under contract, including 19-year-old rookie-to-be Conor Timmins, who is expected to compete for a roster spot in training camp. But the Avs still have restricted free agent Patrik Nemeth to sign, which is expected to happen in the coming months.
The blue-liners under contract are Barberio, Timmins, , , , Sam Girard, , David Warsofsky and Mark Alt. Girard, Lindholm and Timmins will be on their two-way, entry-level contracts in 2018-19.
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