The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent goaltender Craig Anderson from the Florida Panthers to a 2 year $3.6 million contract. Anderson is a former 3rd round draft pick (1999 by Calgary and 2001 by Chicago) with 6 years of NHL experience as a back-up. Anderson posted a 2.71 GAA with Florida last year and an attractive .924 save percentage in 31 games. The Illinois native will likely challenge incumbent Peter Budaj for the starting job in Denver.

In my opinion, this is an excellent signing for the Avalanche. The get a competent goalie but not someone who will expect to be handed the starting job; the competition between Budaj and Anderson should help both goalies (and the team). And the $1.8 million cap hit is certainly palatable.