Colorado Avalanche add depth by signing Darren Helm

Helm gives the Avalanche a solid defensive specialist for the fourth line

The Colorado Avalanche have added some depth on say two of free agency by signing veteran forward Darren Helm. The former Detroit Red Wing will come to Denver on a one year contract worth $1m. He will most likely serve as a replacement for Pierre-Edouard Bellemare on the fourth line.

At 34-years old, Helm still plays with a ton of speed while excelling as a defensive specialist and penalty killer. He can play both down the middle and on the wing but don’t take many faceoffs. With only eight points in 47 games last season, Helm won’t move the needle offensively but that’s not what he will be asked to do.

He’s not big or overly physical but Helm definitely doesn’t shy away from board battles in any of the three zones. All-in-all a solid depth signing for the Avalanche.

The Avs now have approximately $8m to play with in free agency with RFA Tyson Jost still to be signed.