Colorado Avalanche Continue Parade of Contracts, Re-Sign Matt Hunwick

Shortly after the Avalanche reported the signing of David Jones to a four-year contract, the Avalanche turned around and announced the signing of defenseman Matt Hunwick to a two-year contract.

The contract is for a grand total of $3.2 million over the two years, giving Hunwick a cap hit of $1.6 million each year.

This move is absolutely astounding in a number of ways. The most obvious of which being that Matt Hunwick played a grand total of 33 games last season. While Hunwick was improved, it was clear that he wasn't exactly vital to the success of the Avalanche.

Second, last season Hunwick made $1.55 million. His $1.6 million cap hit is actually a raise after he played in less than half of the team's season.

Third, with the emergence of players like Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie, there is quite a log jam at the defensive position and Hunwick really doesn't fit in—unless the Avalanche are going to part ways with Shane O'Brien, which would be a gigantic mistake. 

The Avalanche are clearly dealing with all of their unrestricted free agents first, but re-signing Hunwick is foolish.

If the Avalanche are expecting to go with the younger talent, why re-sign Hunwick? If the Avalanche want to make sure there is a solid veteran presence, why re-sign the guy who didn't even play half of the games last year?

Sure, Hunwick scored a very pretty goal against the Rangers last year and yes, he did improve his play this year, but this number is absurd.

The only thing that I can justify is that the Avalanche are once again trying to find a way to make sure they hit the cap floor, and the only way to do that is to sign Hunwick regardless of whether or not they plan to use him.

He does not fit and should have been let go.