Looks like Paul Stastny has cashed in with the Colorado Avalanche, as expected. The 22 year old star center has signed a five year contract extention, worth 6.6 million per year, totalling 33 Million Dollars. The deal makes him the highest paid player on the Avs, and if nobody gets more, he will be until 2013-2014. Clearly, Paul has shown that he is the successor to Joe Sakic, and has been paid accordingly.

For those who don’t know much about him, he was second to Evgeni Malkin in the 06/07 Calder Trophy vote, racking up 78 points that year. He actually broke the record for most consectutive games with a point by a rookie, with 20.

Last year, he had 71 points in 66 games and currently has 15 in 16.

Some Quotes:

“I’m still in a state of shock,” Stastny said. “Two years ago, I was in college and now I’m signing this kind of deal in the NHL. I’m so excited. It’s a great organization, and I didn’t want to go anywhere else.”

“Paul has clearly established himself as one of the bright young stars emerging in our game today,” Avs general manager Francois Giguere said. “At a young age, he’s demonstrated tremendous skill, vision and composure on the ice and is recognized as one of the most complete players in our league.”We’re pleased that Paul will remain with the Colorado Avalanche franchise long-term. This is another sign of our ownership’s commitment to winning.”

I think its a good signing, personally. How about you?