With free agent frenzy running rampant across the NHL on Friday, the Colorado Avalanche took a little time to take care of one of their own.
On Friday, the Avalanche signed prospect A.J. Greer to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 19-year-old could return to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies next season, but is instead expected to join the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage.
A second-round selection (39th overall) by the Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Greer began last season with Boston University. After 18 games, the sophomore left the Terriers to join the Huskies. After scoring just five points in a limited role for the perennial NCAA Championship contenders, he flourished as a power forward in the more wide open QMJHL; scoring 27 points in 33 regular season games and 22 points in 20 playoff contests.
In addition to Greer, the Avalanche made several other moves to help fill out their minor league roster. On Friday, the team also announced the signings of forwards Reid Petryk, Trent Vogelhuber, Turner Elson, Jim O’Brien, Mike Sislo and Joe Whitney, defenseman Ryan Stanton and goaltender Jeremy Smith. The contracts for Petryk and Vogelhuber were both two-year pacts, while the rest were one-year deals.