Final Grade: Per Ledin

Midseason Grade: N/A

Final Grade: INC

Joined Team: Signed (officially) on July 1, 2008

MHH Nicknames: Golden Boy

Lines:

• 3rd (2)
• 4th (1)

Pos:

• LW (3)
  

Linemates:

C:

• Wolski (2)
• Willsie (1)

RW:

• Hensick (3)

Ice Time:*

• TOT 9:56 (20th)
• EV 9:56 (20th)
• PP 0:00 (20th)
• PK 0:00 (20th)

*Rank is based on total minutes, not average per game.

Best Month: April (3gp, 0 points)

Career Highlights: Ledin made his NHL debut last season.

Report: Per Ledin was unknown to most of us when he was signed last year. But from all the stories we read through the crappy google translator, he seemed like an entertaining, energetic player. Quite honestly, I think most of us were more excited to see him in an Avalanche uniform than we were for the other big free agent signings last summer (Tucker, Raycroft and Tjarnqvist). I don't think anyone expected him to be a game-breaker, but it sure seemed like he'd be fun to watch.

Ledin did not make the club out of camp, however. Although he had a 1-way contract (meaning he was paid his full $600,000 salary to play for Lake Erie), he remained in Cleveland while, by my count, 15 different players were recalled by the Avalanche (including 8 forwards). Finally, with just 3 games left in the dismal season, Ledin was given his token NHL stint - although he almost missed the chance due to a sore back.

3 games certainly isn't enough to evaluate a player, and that's really beside the point. The bigger picture is that Ledin really didn't get a chance in Denver, and his signing essentially amounts to wasted money. It's great that the team is digging around for gems - Ledin, Jaroslav Hlinka, Jonas Gustavsson - but getting the player signed is just half the battle. Does anyone on the Avalanche understand that these guys actually need a chance to contribute? Bringing a top-line European player over to wallow on the 4th line or burying a 4th line player in the minors seems like a colossal waste of everyone's time - fans, managment...and the players in question.

Fun Fact: Ledin's 97 is the highest number worn by an Avalanche player. He and Smyth are the only two players from the Avs to have a number in the 90s.

The Per Ledin Drinking Game:  Drink when someone other than Ledin is recalled  Drunk potential: Significant

What I Said Last Year: "This page lists Ledin as 6′0″ and 194 lbs, and describes him as more of an agitator than skilled player (Ville Nieminen immediately comes to mind). That makes me excited if not a little confused. How many 4th liners do we need?"

2008 Salary (and Cap Number): $600K ($600K)

2009-2010 Status: UFA

Outlook for 2009: Ledin has already signed with HV71 of the Swedish Elite League. We hardly knew you, Per.

Next Up: That's all, folks!