It appears Ian Laperriere may be wearing a different uniform next season.
Citing league sources, the Denver Post is reporting the Avalanche offered the 35-year-old winger a one-year contract worth less than the $1.15 million he made this past season. Not surprisingly, the offer was rejected in short order.
''Ian is a reliable player who has brought dependability, leadership and results on the ice for Colorado,'' Laperriere's agent, Pat Brisson told the Denver Post. ''I would hope they would see that and want him back, but if not, July 1st is right around the corner and other teams will be interested in him.''
Laperriere was a highly sought-after commodity at the trade deadline but the Avalanche, who were sellers at the time, decided to keep the gritty veteran in hopes of re-signing him in the offseason. He was offered a two-year deal at the time, which has since but shortened to a one-year pact.
''We made him an offer, and we'll see where it goes from there,'' Avalanche vice president Jean Martineau told the newspaper.
But the Avalanche are looking at serious cap issues next season with 14 players signed at close to $44 million and the salary cap expected to drop from this year's total of $56.7 million.
Laperriere did not comment on the latest offer, but has said he would like to return to the Avalanche, where he has played four seasons, scoring 40 goals in 307 games.
