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Colorado Avalanche: News from around the NHL September 1st, 2014

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Jonathan Daniel

Schultz has a one year extension.

Justin Schultz isn't a fully-formed No. 1 NHL defenceman just yet, so the Edmonton Oilers are giving him a chance to grow into one.

The Oilers agreed to terms with the 24-year-old on a $3.675-million, one-year contract Friday that puts him in line to make him a restricted free agent again next off-season. Schultz said the one-year deal means he has to perform.

"I still got to prove myself," Schultz said in a phone interview. "I just got to prove that I'm worth that longer-term money and they want me here for a longer term.

"I want to be here and I've got to make sure I improve my defensive game and know I can play against other teams' top lines without them worrying about me out there and being able to put me out in all situations."

Does the Schultz deal complicate things with Barrie for the Avs?

Defenseman Tyson Barrie might have been very happy when the news broke that Justin Schultz had agreed to a one-year, $3.657 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

Barrie, who remains a restricted free agent, is in a similar position with the Colorado Avalanche in the sense that he's an offensive defenseman who is coming off of his entry-level deal and is likely to end up with a bridge contract. Barrie and Schultz have put up similar career numbers in terms of goals and points.

The AHL will now have "education and drug testing" that is similar to the one in the NHL.

The AHL will begin an education and drug-testing program this season that will "substantially replicate" the one already in place for NHL players, the leagues announced.

Reinprecht is joining a Hall of Fame Class.

Known for his two-way versatility at the center position, Steve Reinprecht was a dominant force for the Badgers in the late 1990s.

The Edmonton, Alberta, native, was the first UW player to post team-leading point totals for three-straight years, which caught national attention during his senior campaign when he was named runner-up for the 2000 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top NCAA hockey player.

In 37 games played in 1999-00, Reinprecht tallied 26 goals and 66 points to lead the nation and earn first-team All-America honors. He was also named WCHA Player of the Year and first-team all-conference that year. Reinprecht was previously awarded second-team recognition from the WCHA in 1998.