"The Avalanche today expects to sign the player it hopes is its goalie of the future — Calvin Pickard.

Colorado reached agreement in principle with Pickard, 18, on a three-year entry-level contract — the third prospect from the junior ranks it has signed to contracts in the last two weeks. Joey Hishon and Stefan Elliott are the others. The contract is expected to be signed today.

Pickard, selected in the second round (49th overall) in the 2010 NHL draft, has a 27-33-8 record this season for Seattle of the Western Hockey League, with a 3.36 goals- against average and .916 save percentage. Pickard's brother, Chet, was drafted as a goalie by the Nashville Predators.

Despite agreeing to a pro contract, Pickard has one more year of junior eligibility left and chances are more likely than not he'll spend next season in the junior ranks."