DENVER (AP) -Defenseman Jordan Leopold, who played only 15 games last season due to injuries, and three others signed with the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

Defensemen Kurt Sauer and Jeff Finger signed one-year deals and David Jones, a forward from Dartmouth, agreed to a two-year contract.

Leopold was hampered by three injuries in his fourth NHL season. The 2002 Hobey Baker Award winner began last season on injured reserve following a hernia operation. He missed time with a groin injury upon his return and was sidelined for the final 25 games after surgery for a broken wrist.

General manager Francois Giguere said Leopold was "entering the prime years of his career and we're confident he'll regain the form that he displayed in his first few seasons in the league."

Sauer appeared in 45 of the last 46 games for the Avs last season, emerging as a mainstay on defense. Finger was a regular contributor on the blue line last season after his call-up Feb. 17.

Jones was a Hobey Baker Award finalist for college hockey's top player as a junior last season. He had 44 points in 33 games.