Avs Sign Two More, Blake and Hinote Still Unsigned

The Colorado Avalanche re-signed two more players Friday, a day before free agency starts, however their two big-name free agents, Rob Blake and Dan Hinote are still without contracts just 3 hours before the start of free agency.

Defensemen Karlis Skrastins and Brett Clark each signed multi-year deals. The terms of the contracts haven't yet been disclosed.

Skrastins has played in 433 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NHL and the second-longest by a defenseman in hockey history -- 53 behind Tim Horton's record. What makes this record even more impressive is Skrastins is one of the leagues leading shot-blockers, taking an average 2.52 pucks to his body every game, which is second best in the league.

Clark had a career season last year with nine goals and 27 assists.

Date

Fri 06/30/06, 5:09 pm EST

Madproof9Red-Shirting

1249 days ago

Score 2

Why did we sign these two guys when Blake and Hinote are still free agents??? Skrastins I understand, we need him, but Clark? Blake and Hinote are more important than both of these guys. I'm gonna go nuts if we don't sign them.

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Alex HolowczakHall of Famer

1248 days ago

Score 0

Blake is the only one of the great defence Colorado used to have, with Morris, and Foote all on the team. I think if the Avs lose Blake, they will struggle to make the playoffs next year.

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