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Avalanche awaiting Theodore's move

Both sides will 'know a lot more' within 10 days

By Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published June 11, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.

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Contract talks between Jose Theodore and the Avalanche are expected to begin in earnest now that the goalie and his agent, Don Meehan, have discussed the team's initial offer.

Meehan said Wednesday he met with Theodore on Tuesday night to talk about their options.

"We had our first discussion concerning all of his rights, options, contract, etc.," Meehan said. "In due course, I'll be in touch with the Avalanche, and we'll start our negotiations."

Meehan previously said Theodore, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1, would prefer to remain with the Avalanche.

"Nothing's changed, subject to the negotiations," he said. "They've made an offer, and I discussed the offer with Jose. We're going to know a lot more (about his prospects of re-signing) within the next 10 days."

Theodore, 31, supplanted Peter Budaj last season as the Avalanche's No. 1 goalie, posting a 28-21-3 record with three shutouts, a 2.44 goals-against average and .910 saves percentage in 53 games.

Theodore was exceptional against Minnesota in the Western Conference quarterfinals but became ill on the eve of the conference semifinals against Detroit and was pulled in three of the four games in the Red Wings' sweep.

He was 4-6 in 10 playoff games with a 3.15 average and .906 saves percentage.

Whether Theodore winds up with the Avalanche or another NHL team, he's expected to receive considerably less than the $6 million he made last season in the final year of a three-year contract.

BRUNETTE ON HOLD: Forward Andrew Brunette also is interested in re-signing with the Avalanche, but he has yet to hear from the team regarding its plans.

"Not yet, no," he said. "We'll see. I'd like to come back. I hope I do."

Brunette, 35 in August, said he is seeking "maybe a little more" than the $1.6 million he made in 2007-08.

"I don't know where that will fit in with their plans," he said.

Brunette underwent shoulder surgery two weeks ago to remove some debris that caused him some discomfort during the season.

"Some bone fragments fell off early in the year and it was a little uncomfortable," said Brunette, who played in all 82 regular-season games for the fifth year in a row and has played in 453 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NHL. "I was able to get through it, and they just went in there and cleaned it up."

Brunette's production slipped to 19 goals and 59 points, though he still was the Avalanche's second-leading scorer. He had career highs the previous season for goals (27), assists (56) and points (83).

He had a team-high five goals in 10 playoff games and finished second to Joe Sakic with eight points.

QUENNEVILLE IN LIMBO: Former Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville interviewed for the San Jose Sharks' coaching position, but the job is going to Red Wings assistant Todd McLellan.

The San Jose Mercury News reported McLellan has signed a three-year contract and will be introduced Thursday as Ron Wilson's successor.

Comments

  • June 16, 2008

    4:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    dietpepsi writes:

    please dish joe-sive three-or-four OUTTA TOWNE!!!!

    he's a confidence-LACKING weak excuse for a has-been "oh, i need hair replacement treatment because i cain't see the faster pucks" lame duck "i fell down ON THE ICE and broke my foot" waste of money.

    and get rid of all the so-called avz fans who wore their redwing sweaters to the playoffs!! LAME

    i thot the home games were in detroit untill i saw an A on center ice...