Bob McKenzie is reporting (and CapGeek has confirmed) that the Avalanche have come to terms with Steve Downie. His two-year deal will pay $2.55 million in the first year and $2.75 in the second with a $2.65 cap hit.
Downie was an important addition at the deadline last year, supplying that ever-needed grit and physical presence. His time with Ryan O`Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog elevated his play and theirs, creating what I affectionately called the UMAD? line. Yeah, they were mad. That line frustrated many a defender in the second half of the season and was a big reason the Avs were still in a playoff hunt.
This is a great deal for both sides. Glad to see him back.