Former Avalanche C Hahl to play in Sweden

Jul 18, 2008 - 5:37 AM GOTHENBURG, Sweden (Ticker) -- Former Colorado Avalanche center Riku Hahl on Thursday signed a two-year contract with Frolunda HC of the Swedish Elite League.

Hahl, who last appeared in the NHL in 2003-04, spent the previous two seasons with Timra IK. In 2007-08, the 27-year-old Finn recorded 10 goals and 31 assists in 48 games.

A sixth-round pick of Colorado in 1999, Hahl collected five goals and eight assists in 92 games over parts of three seasons with the Avalanche. An unrestricted free agent, the 6-foot, 200-pounder was waiting to see if any interest arose from NHL teams before signing with Frolunda.

"I needed a new challenge as a player," Hahl said. "I had several good offers to choose from, but when Frolunda came up as an alternative, I jumped on it right away. Frolunda is one of Europe's best clubs. It has a new organization, with Ulf Dahlen as the head coach, and I think we can go deep into the playoffs."