I have to admit, I didn't see the second part of this coming. The Avs have re-signed Adam Foote and John-Michael Liles. Foote's deal is being reported as 2 years at $3 million a season and Liles' is a whopping 4 year deal at a bit over $4 million per. It seems like each player took about a million (or so) less than they could command on the open market. I am ecstatic (and surprised) to see both back. That's two solid re-signings by Francois Giguere; it's a nice recovery after a couple of questionable trades this offseason.
The signings puts the Avalanche at a payroll of about $40 million, giving them $15-$16 million to spend in free agency. I think it's safe to say that they won't be chasing too many defensemen on July 1st - that money should be all earmarked for forwards (including Super Joe) and a goalie.