Avalanche sign KHL goalie Francouz to 1-year deal

The Colorado Avalanche have gone to Russia for a little netminding insurance, as on Wednesday the club agreed to a one-year deal with KHL goaltender Pavel Francouz.

The 27-year-old Czech native has spent the past three seasons in the KHL, where he owned a .946 save percentage and 1.81 GAA in 37 appearances this season.

Francouz also represented the Czech Republic at the 2018 Winter Olympics, suiting up for six games. More recently, he's been tabbed to play for the Czechs at the upcoming World Championship in Denmark.

As it stands, Semyon Varlamov is the lone Avalanche netminder under contract through next season, meaning Francouz could be in the running for the backup job.