And here we go again........

[chippa13 1844]

The Avs have matched an offer sheet to Ryan O'Reilly from the Flames with an average of $5 million per for 2 years and setting his qualifying offer number at $6.5 million. Countdown to the next lockout begins in 3.......2........1...........

[Chadd 916]

This makes the Avs the first team to have matched two offer sheets? Sakic and now O'Reilly

Feaster is getting desperate in Calgary. He doesn't have many assets to improve the team and I think that ownership does not want to rebuild.

[hamstercaster 2]

Heard that this morning. The worst in there is that if the Avs had not matched the offer, they would have gotten the compensation and Calgary may not even have landed O'reilly as he would have had to clear waivers before joining the Flames

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=417108

[RadioGaGa 162]

Sales of 'Rayan O Rayli' jerseys expected to spike in Colorado any day now!

[IniNew 53]

I read an interesting analysis. That was a heavy decision.

The timing of that offer sheet has a ton to do with the trade dead line next year. It's estimated to be before Feb 28th (even with the Olympics). Since they matched the offersheet offered on Feb 28th, and they have to keep the contract for a minimum of 1 calendar year, the Avs are now locked into that contract for the entire duration.