Avalanche Notebook: Peter Budaj is back

Peter Budaj is officially a member of the Colorado Avalanche organ-i-zation again.

Peter Budaj, who played in goal for the Avs from 2005-11, signed on to become the Avalanche’s “development goaltending coach.” He’s not the main goalie coach, and not even the goalie coach of the Colorado Eagles. He’ll check in on prospect goalies in the organization who play elsewhere.

Nice to see Boods back.

In other news, the Avs also extended the coaching contract of Colorado Eagles head coach Greg Cronin. He got a three-year extension, through the 2023-24 season. That’s a nice accomplishment for Cronin, in a league where coaches don’t usually have too long of a shelf life. The Avs also gave extensions to Cronin’s assistants, such as Brett Clark, Aaron Schneekloth and Ryan Bach.

Cronin has posted a record of 85-60-12 in his first three seasons behind the bench in Colorado.

Avs first-round 2021 pick Oskar Olausson also agreed to sign with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League and play there this coming season. Originally, Olausson said he’d play again in Sweden, but the Colts changed his mind.

I think that’s a smart move by Olausson, because I think you want to get used to the North American-sized rinks as quick as you can, if your goal is to play in the NHL eventually.

Plus, after having covered so many players who came up through the ranks, they usually say that it was better for them to challenge themselves more in the developmental stage by not staying too safe and comfortable back home, etc.

I think it will be great for Olausson to not only get used to North American-sized rinks, but to experience a new culture.