Defenseman
Stefan Elliott, who didn't develop as the Avalanche hoped or get much of an opportunity to show what he could do at the NHL level, is getting another chance with Arizona.
The Avalanche traded the rights to Elliott, a second-round pick (No. 49) in the 2009 draft, for defenseman
Brandon Gormley, a first-round pick (No. 13) in 2010 who also hasn't progressed as hoped.
Gormley, 23, is 6-feet-2 and 190 pounds. Born in Murray River, Prince Edward Island, he's a left-hand shot and will report to training camp for medical and physical testing on Sept. 17 at the Pepsi Center.
Gormley had two goals, two assists and 10 penalty minutes in 27 games with the Coyotes last season. He had three goals, seven assists and 18 penalty minutes in 23 games with Portland in the AHL, with a goal and four assists in five playoff games. He had no points in five games with the Coyotes in 2013-14.
Elliott had his best season as a pro last year with 19 goals, 21 assists and 22 penalty minutes in 64 games with Lake Erie in the AHL. He made the AHL All-Star Game but barely got a sniff with the Avalanche, playing in five games without a point.
A big scorer with Saskatoon in the Western Hockey League, Elliott played in 63 games for Colorado over parts of four seasons and had six goals, 12 assists and 12 penalty minutes.
While Gormley will certainly begin the season with the San Antonio Rampage, the Avalanche's new AHL affiliate, Elliott could very well start the season with the Coyotes.
"We looked at Brandon and reviewed his time with us and last year and our needs going forward, and we just thought Stefan Elliott has sort of more maybe offensive skill, puck movement, maybe a little more upside in that area," Coyotes general manager
Don Maloney told the
Arizona Republic. "We spent a lot of time looking at him and looking at his game. I think this is really a good move for both players. I think Brandon can use a new start, and I do believe Stefan Elliott can use a new start. So it just made sense."
Gormley signed a one-year, two-way contract with Arizona this summer. Maloney said Elliott has signed a similar deal.
"(Gormley) had some injuries at some inopportune times," Maloney said. "That might have maybe held his development back a degree, but he's still young. He has plenty of upside. We think it's a fair deal for us, and hopefully it’ll be proven correct over the years ahead."
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After taking medicals on Sept. 17, the Avalanche will be on the ice Sept. 18 and 19 at the South Suburban Family Sports Center in Centennial, CO. Sessions are free and open to the public starting at 8 a.m. MT. The annual Burgundy and White Game will be played Sept. 20 at the University of Denver's Magness Arena.
The Avalanche will hold a three-day rookie camp Sept. 14-16 at the Family Sports Center. The sessions will start at 9:30 a.m. MT and are open to the public at no charge.
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Former Avalanche forward
Chris Drury has been named director of player development for the New York Rangers. He'll work with the hockey operations department and the team's AHL affiliate in Hartford while helping to oversee and evaluate college players.
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In case you missed it, my
NHL.com offseason package
on the Avalanche remains on the site. A season preview is scheduled to run in a couple of weeks.
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