Colorado Avalanche Sign Bellemare To PTO

The Colorado Avalanche have joined in on the PTO action happening around the NHL by signing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to a professional tryout.

Hearing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare will be going to Colorado on a PTO. Played two seasons there, always like dealing with him

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 11, 2024

Bellemare is coming off a season in which he played 40 games for the Seattle Kraken, scoring four goals and seven points. Offense was never an emphasis of his game. He is much better and more focused on the defensive side of the puck, and that's what makes teams continue giving him contracts and playing time.

Bellemare is a very late bloomer as he broke into the NHL at 29 years old with the Philadelphia Flyers. He has played for five different NHL teams, suiting up for the Avalanche in two seasons (2019-20 and 2020-21).

The Avalanche's depth is extremely questionable, mainly the fourth line. Bellemare should earn himself a contract with Colorado as the competition isn't where it needs to be for roster spots at the bottom of the forward group. While the team's depth has failed them offensively in big moments, the Avalanche know what they are getting from Bellemare if he sticks around. At the very least, the 39-year-old would be a solid safety net for the fourth line where he would play if he's in the lineup.

Photo credit:  © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images