Avalanche waive Reto Berra

According to multiple sources, the Colorado Avalanche placed back up goaltender Reto Berra on waivers Sunday. The Associated Press reported Berra joined seven other players waived today in advance of Monday’s 1 pm MST trade deadline. Berra had been reassigned to Colorado’s AHL affiliate the San Antonio Rampage for a two week conditioning stint February 18 after his return from a December ankle injury.

Apparently Calvin Pickard secured his position as Semyon Varlamov’s back up during his recent call up from the Rampage. Pickard earned a 5-3-1 win/loss record this season with the Avalanche, putting up a .917 save percentage and a 2.68 goals against average. Aside from giving up an occasional soft goal in the first period, Pickard’s performance has impressed many. The 23 year old becomes a restricted free agent this summer.

While in San Antonio, Reto Berra went 2-2 with a 2.92 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. Previously, when he was playing for Colorado, he had a 5-8 record with a 2.41 goals against average and a .922 save percentage . Berra carries a $1.45 million contract through 2017, regardless of where he plays, which could have posed a stumbling block for trade offers.

Many speculated Berra, 29 years old, could become an important bargaining chip in trade talks considering the number of goaltender injuries in recent weeks. Others considered the possibility the Avalanche might carry three goaltenders into the playoffs, should they qualify, for the same reason. If Berra is claimed off of waivers, Colorado would be down to 48 contracts as center Chris Wagner was reclaimed by the Anaheim Ducks off waivers earlier this week. If he is not claimed, he can be sent to play with the San Antonio Rampage for the rest of the season.