Billington signs on with Avalanche

By Adrian Dater

Denver Post Sports Writer

July 4 - Two years ago, Craig Billington looked like he was on the way out of the NHL. But, not only did Billington survive the last couple of years, he signed on for two more Friday with the Colorado Avalanche.

The veteran backup goalie agreed to a new two-year, $1.5 million contract to stay with the Avs. Billington, 31, will receive $650,000 in 1998-99, and $850,000 the following season.

Billington, who had been an unrestricted free agent, had an offer for slightly more money from another team, but liked Colorado too much to leave.

Billington had an 8-7-4 record, 2.32 goals-against average and .923 saves-percentage for the Avs last season. In his two seasons with the Avs, he is 19-15-6 overall.

"We are thrilled to have a player of Craig's caliber returning to the Avalanche,'' general manager Pierre Lacroix said.

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