Avs Lock Up Lappy Through '08-09 Season

(from the Rocky Mountain News)

By Associated Press

September 6, 2007 - Ian Laperriere, one of the Avalanche's most popular players, signed a one-year contract extension Thursday that will keep him in Colorado through the 2008-09 season.

"Lappy," as he is known by teammates and throughout the NHL, will be paid $1.15 million for the additional season. His salary is $1.064 million for 2007-08.

"Ian has been an instrumental part of this club's success on and off the ice," Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said. "As an assistant captain, he provides a strong quality of leadership to our team."

Laperriere, 33, had eight goals, 29 assists, 133 penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating in 81 games last year. He has 29 goals, 45 assists and 249 penalty minutes in 163 games in two seasons with the Avalanche and 107 goals, 171 assists and 1,491 penalty minutes in 857 career NHL games.

Though not a true heavyweight, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound forward tied Buffalo's Andrew Peters for the second most fights in the league last season with 17, one behind Anaheim's George Parros.

Contract Extension Retains Laperriere Through '08-09

(from the Denver Post)

By Adrian Dater
Denver Post Staff Writer

September 7, 2007 - Continuing what has been a busy off-season for contract signings, the Avalanche on Thursday agreed to terms with veteran right wing Ian Laperriere on a one-year extension.

Laperriere signed an extension, worth $1.15 million, that carries through the 2008-09 season.

The popular veteran is coming off a subpar offensive season, with eight goals, but he provided his usual grit and leadership to the Avs. Laperriere, 33, scored a career-high 21 goals for Colorado in 2005-06.

"Ian has been an instrumental part of this club's success on and off the ice," Avs general manager Francois Giguere said. "As an assistant captain, he provides a strong quality of leadership to our team."