Avs sign Swedish League scoring leader
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The Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday signed forward Joakim Lindstrom, who led the Swedish Elite League in scoring this season, to a one-year contract.
Lindstrom, 27, played with Skelleftea, his hometown team, and led the SEL in scoring with 60 points (28 goals, 32 assists) in 54 games. He also led his team in penalty minutes (134) and ranked second in goals and assists en route to being named to the SEL's All-Star Team. Lindstrom added 4 goals and 11 points in 18 playoff games.
"We are pleased to have Joakim under contract," Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman said in a statement. "With his combined experience in the NHL and Swedish Elite League, he will provide depth to our roster."
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Lidstrom was selected by Columbus in the second round (No. 41) in the 2002 Entry Draft and has played 81 NHL games with the Blue Jackets and Phoenix Coyotes, scoring 13 goals and 28 points in parts of four seasons. Lindstrom made his NHL debut by playing three games with the Blue Jackets in 2005-06, and went on to play nine games with Columbus in 2006-07 and 25 in 2007-08. He appeared in a career-high 44 games with the Coyotes in 2008-09, recording 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists).