The Colorado Avalanche have signed unrestricted free agent forward Darcy Tucker to a two-year, $4.5 million contract.
Tucker, 33, was bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs last week. His new deal will pay him $2.2 million next season and $2.3 million in 2009-10.
The veteran forward struggled last season, finishing with just 18 goals and 16 assists in 74 games - down from 24 goals and 19 assists in just 56 games a year ago.
The Maple Leafs acquired Tucker back in 2000 for a package that included Mike Johnson. In eight seasons with Toronto, Tucker has scored 148 goals and 319 assists.
A sixth-round draft selection of Montreal in 1993, Tucker has 197 goals and 239 assists in parts of 13 seasons with the Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning and Maple Leafs.
Tucker had three years remaining on his contract with Toronto, with the Leafs on on the hook for two-thirds, or $6 million paid over a six-year term. Tucker signed a four-year contract extension with the club back in February of 2007.