The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed free-agent forward Chuck Kobasew to a two-year contract through the 2012-13 season.

“Chuck is a talented forward who can provide scoring to our lineup,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman. “At 29, we are expecting him to add depth and speed to our offense.”

Kobasew, 29, spent last season with the Minnesota Wild, where he collected 16 points (9g/7a) in 63 games.  The Vancouver, B.C., native has tallied 185 points (96g/89a) in 473 games over eight seasons with Calgary, Boston and Minnesota.  He has also dressed in 44 career playoff games, including 26 during the Flames’ run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.

Selected by Calgary in the first round (14th overall) in the 2001 Entry Draft, Kobasew has scored 20-plus goals in three different seasons.  Prior to being drafted, the right winger played one season at Boston College (Hockey East), where he was named MVP of the 2001 NCAA Tournament after leading the Eagles to the national championship.