Breaking: Two big RFAs sign long term, big money deals

This just in, the Colorado Avalanche have signed restricted free agent defenseman Samuel Girard to a seven year contract worth a reported $5 million per season.

“Samuel has been one of our best all-around defensemen since joining the Avalanche,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic in a prepared statement. “He plays important minutes and is someone our coaches count on to play against other teams’ top lines. He has an exceptional ability to skate and move the puck. As a member of our core, we felt it was important to sign him to a long-term deal and we are excited to announce this extension.”

In other news, the New Jersey Devils also locked up an RFA defenseman of their own, albeit at a lower price tag. The Devils signed blueliner Will Butcher to a three year deal worth approximate $3.53 million per season.

Butcher put up four goals and 26 assists for 30 points in 78 games last season, his second pro campaign. In his two seasons with the Devils, he has registered nine goals and 65 assists in 159 career games.