Thu Jul 3 16:39:07 2008

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Avs add Tjarnqvist to defensive mix

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Denver, CO (Sports Network) - The Colorado Avalanche signed free-agent defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist to a one-year contract, the club announced Thursday.

Tjarnqvist, 31, returns to the NHL after playing last season in the Russian hockey league.

"Daniel Tjarnqvist is an experienced defenseman who provides us greater depth on our blueline," Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Francois Giguere said.

The Umea, Sweden native has 16 goals and 70 assists in 315 career games with Atlanta, Minnesota and Edmonton. Tjarnqvist was selected 88th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 1995 draft.

In addition, the club inked forward Chris Durno, who spent the last three seasons in the American Hockey League with Milwaukee, Norfolk, Portland and San Antonio.