Avalanche re-signs Duncan Siemens

According to both major NHL salary cap websites, General Fanager and CapFriendly, defenseman Duncan Siemens has agreed to a one-year deal with the Avalanche. The deal for 2011 first round selection (11th overall) is a two-way contract that will pay Siemens $874,125 in the NHL and $70,000 if he remains in the AHL, where he has spent the bulk of his pro career.

Siemens, 22, appeared in one NHL game, the season finale in 2014-15, and is coming off his best statistical season as a pro. He scored seven points, one goal and 6 assists, in 53 games played. He has recorded 17 points in his AHL career. Unfortunately for Siemens, health remains a very real question mark with him as he has only played 153 games over his three-year pro career.

The biggest question mark surrounding Siemens and his development remains his ability to handle the puck. He’s spoken candidly on the topic numerous times and should that side of his game ever develop, Siemens could make for a very effective defender in the NHL. He’s already a great skater with good size and a mean streak that makes him very effective in the physical aspects of the game. Siemens is expected to come to Avalanche training camp this upcoming season and compete for a job in the NHL right away.

With the signing of Siemens, the Avalanche only have two remaining unsigned players, Mikhail Grigorenko and Tyson Barrie, and both have arbitration hearings set across the two weeks.