Avalanche Sign Goalie Pavel Francouz From Czech Republic to One-Year Deal

The 27-year-old played the last three seasons in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League as a member of Traktor Chelyabinsk. Francouz went 15-11-5 with a 1.80 goals-against average in 2017-18.

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DENVER (AP) The Colorado Avalanche have signed goaltender Pavel Francouz of the Czech Republic to a one-year deal.

The 27-year-old played the last three seasons in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League as a member of Traktor Chelyabinsk. Francouz went 15-11-5 with a 1.80 goals-against average in 2017-18.

Francouz suited up for Czech Republic in February during the Pyeongchang Olympics, where he went 2-2 with a 2.27 goals-against average.

• Watch: AHL Goalie Makes Barehanded Save After Losing His Blocker

Colorado relied on Semyon Varlamov this season, but he was sidelined down the stretch and into the first round of the playoffs with a knee injury. Backup Jonathan Bernier is set to become a free agent, along with Andrew Hammond who was picked up as part of a three-team trade in November that sent Matt Duchene to Ottawa.

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