Sunday, November 19, 2006

Colorado Avalanche bringing back Antti Laaksonen, Ossi Vaananen

The Colorado Avalanche picked up the option on forward Antti Laaksonen for next season and signed defenceman Ossi Vaananen to a one-year deal.
Laaksonen signed with the Avalanche in 2004 and last season had career highs in assists (18) and points (34) while matching a career best with 16 goals. Laaksonen keyed the Avalanche penalty kill and had two short-handed goals.
Vaananen was acquired from Phoenix in 2004 and played 53 games last year before breaking his leg. At the time of his injury, he led the Avalanche with a plus-10 rating.