Photo: Bridget Samuels/Flickr.

There is not a lot of news today regarding the Avalanche. However, it has been announced that free agent, Kevin Porter, has signed with the BUffalo Sabres organization. Porter seemingly had a breakout season in 2010-2011, but last year he regressed. I send my best wishes to Porter, but do not believe that his release hurts the Avalanche. Another player released by the Avalanche was Ryan Stoa. Stoa was the Avs first draft choice (34th overall) in 2005. He never was able to break into the team for a full season, and has only 37 NHL games under his belt, with four goals and three assists during that timespan. While I believe Stoa has potential, the fact is, he needed a change of scenery. Perhaps in a few years, his will be a similar story to that of new winger P.A. Parenteau, wherein it takes him awhile, but he eventually cracks the NHL.

Also, the league has released the list of players who have filed for salary arbitration. 16 players throughout the league have filed, including left winger Jamie McGinn. Last season, McGinn scored 20 goals. He was payed $680,000. If the Avalanche offered only a small increase to his already small salary (relatively speaking in his profession), something many Avalanche fans believe has happened (due to the tight-fisted ways of ownership), it makes sense that McGinn would file. I don’t think he is worth more than $2 million (and realistically I think $1.5 million is a better number), seeing as one 20 goal season does not a perennial goal scorer make, I can still understand why McGinn and his agent feel he deserves a substantial raise. Oftimes, teams can settle upon a contract before meeting with the league’s arbitrator. The meetings this year will take place between July 20 and August 4, and I believe McGinn’s is scheduled for the 21st of July. This gives management two weeks exactly to come up with an acceptable sum without the help of an outside party.

Also, a nice read from Mike Chambers (of the Denver Post) here, concerning free agency acquisition John Mitchell.