Gill Signs with Colorado

Former Red Wings defenseman Todd Gill signed as a free agent with the Stanley Cup Chamion Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.

Gill, who started the 2000-2001 season with Cincinatti of the AHL, filled in well for Detroit when Chris Chelios went down with a knee injury and was kept on the team after Chelios’ return.

The signing, Colorado’s first since retaining Joe Sakic, Rob Blake and Patrick Roy, will help the Avalanche fill a gap in their defensive corps caused by Ray Bourque’s retirement and the loss of Jon Klemm to free agency.

Gill has had two tours with Detroit, as well as playing with Toronto, San Jose, St. Louis and Phoenix.