The Avalanche on Tuesday announced they've signed three restricted free agents, but defenseman Nikita Zadorov wasn't among them.

They did sign defenseman Duncan Siemens and two forwards, Gabriel Bourque and Felix Girard, to one-year, two-way contracts.

Sport-Express, a Russian news outlet, previously reported that Zadorov, 22, is waiting until the end of July for a better offer from the Avalanche. The sides reportedly have agreed on a two-year contract, but not on salary.

The outlet also reported that Zadorov has an agreement in place with CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League in case he doesn't sign with Colorado.

Tyson Barrie, Mark Barberio and Erik Johnson are the only returning regular defenseman under contract, which could pave the way for Siemens to get a legitimate opportunity to make the team no matter what happens with Zadorov.

The 6-feet-3, 210-pound Siemens, 23, was a first-round pick (No. 11) in the 2011 NHL draft but only has played in four NHL games, three at the end of last season.

Siemens had seven points (two goals, five assists) and 100 penalty minutes in 73 games last season with the AHL San Antonio Rampage.

Bourque, 26, made the Avalanche last season and signed a one-year contract after coming to camp on a professional tryout. He had no points in six games with Colorado, and 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 61 games with the Rampage.

The Avalanche acquired Girard, 23, from Nashville on Jan. 13 for popular forward Cody McLeod.

Girard had a combined 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 73 games, splitting time with Milwaukee and San Antonio. He had eight points (three goals, five assists) in 35 games with the Admirals, and 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 38 games with the Rampage.

Aside from Zadorov, restricted free agents Rocco Grimaldi and Matt Nieto remain unsigned. Nieto has opted for arbitration, though he could agree to a contract before his hearing.



Follow @RickS7

Join the Discussion: » 23 Comments » Post New Comment

» One-year deal for Johansson

» One more postseason disappointment

» Bednar cleared to coach tonight; MacKinnon Hart finalist

» Cale Makar a Norris Trophy finalist

» Jost: Do or die Game 5 tonight; Kadri suspension upheld