Darren Helm signs 1-year deal with Colorado Avalanche

Igor Burdetskiy July 29, 2021

1 1 minute read

Darren Helm has signed a 1 year, $1 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

Helm was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round (No. 132) of the 2005 NHL Draft. After play the bulk of 2007-08, his first pro season, with Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, Helm was a late-season call-up by the Red Wings, played seven regular-season games and had four points (two goals, two assists) to help Detroit win its 11th Stanley Cup title.

Helm found himself back in the AHL to open 2008-09 but would again get noticed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Having failed to score a goal in 16 regular-season games, Helm scored four in 23 postseason games, including the goal in overtime of Game 5 that won the Western Conference Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena on May 27, 2009. He became the first player in NHL history to score five playoff goals before scoring a regular-season goal.

Detroit lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Helm’s reputation in big moments had been established. Helm scored his first regular-season NHL goal in his sixth game of the 2009-10 season, a 6-5 shootout loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Oct. 29, 2009.

Helm scored his first NHL hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 29, 2014 and signed a five-year contract with the Red Wings on July 1, 2016.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!