Morris, others sign new deals
June 30, 2003 - By David Smith

Denver, CO (AZ) -- The Colorado Avalanche can check off one of their big priorities on the summer to-do list with the announcement that defenseman Derek Morris has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million dollar contract.

Acquired from the Flames prior to the start of the 2002-2003 season, Morris, 24, enjoyed his finest season as a pro. The promising young defenseman established career highs in goals (11), assists (36) and points (47), and finished tied for seventh in scoring amongst all NHL defensemen.

Additionally, the club also reached new deals with defenseman D.J. Smith, forward Serge Aubin, goaltender Philip Sauve, and prospect Mikko Viitanen.

Smith, 26, appeared in just 34 games for the team in his 3rd NHL season, registering one goal, and 55 penalty minutes.

Aubin, 28, in his second tour of duty with the organization, appeared in 66 games in his fourth NHL season. The checking forward registered 10 points, and 64 penalty minutes.

Sauve, 23, recorder a career-high 26 wins in a career-high 60 games with the Hershey Bears, in his third AHL season. Sauve was also named Bears MVP for the third consecutive season.

Viitanen, 21, is a hulking 6-3, 220 pound defenseman who just completed his third season playing in his native Finland. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2001 Entry Draft.
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David Smith is the publisher of Avalanche Zone, and can be reached at da.smith@attbi.com.