Avalanche sign G Calvin Pickard

Glovetaps to both BryceLeo and Muzia for fanposting/shotting the apparent news of Avs prospect Calvin Pickard signing. Pickard, a second round draft pick in last year's NHL Entry Draft (49th overall), currently plays for the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds and was recently named to the WHL's Western Conference All-Star Second Team. Pickard's signing is the third prospect signing in the last 10 days as D Stefan Elliott and F Joey Hishon also recently signed.

Confirmation remains relatively light thus far but capgeek is the one with the initial report along with preliminary contract numbers. Dater did tweet earlier in the day the deal wasn't done so all of this is subject to change.

Confirmation links (thus far):

Capgeeks prelim contract numbers.

As Jori is our local prospect hero, I'll just block quote her on what this means for Pickard and the Avs moving forward.

They had his rights until June 1, 2012. So they didn’t have to sign him now. This contract wont count among the 50 as long as he doesn’t play in 10 NHL games next year. Pickard will most likely return to the WHL next year, meaning this contract will defer to 2012-13.

For those wondering about the potential of him in Lake Erie next year, she also points out:

He’s not eligible to play in the AHL to start next season. He’ll be back in the WHL.

And there you have it. This might as well have been an interview with Jori.

Update: Official site confirmation.