New Colorado Avalance Gm Ernie Russell wasted no time in shedding over seven million dollars in salary to get the team under the salary cap. On the way out were reliable backup, Tommy Salo, and underacheiver, Teemu Selanne.
"The high point of the Salo deal was getting John Graham and two great prospects in JJ Hunter and Cory Pecker. The low point was having to give up Steve Ott. Ott will be a player someday, but we had to shed the salary." said Russell.
The Selanne deal was pure salary dump, as only futures were aquired. RJ Umberger, a highly touted center, and Ross Lupuschuk, a great young puck moving defenseman were aquired in the deal.
BOULDER SHORTS
Journeyman Micheal Grosek was aquired along with a 9th round pick from the Boston Bruins for a 5th round pick.
With the salary dump, it looks like Sergei Zubov won't be moved.
Rumor has the Avs looking for a right winger to replace Selanne, and Roman Hamrliks name has been mentioned heading out of town.