The off-season search of the Colorado Avalanche for a starting goaltender has ended quickly with the signing of netminder Craig Anderson to a two-year contract.

Anderson will be paid $1.8 million per season, an affordable salary for a cost-conscious Avs team in dire need of an upgrade between the pipes.

The 28-year-old spent the past three seasons in a backup role with the Florida Panthers but was keen to land with a club that would give him the opportunity to become a starting goalie. Anderson will certainly get that chance with the Avalanche, who re-signed former starter Peter Budaj but he’ll likely be in a backup role to Anderson next season.

In 31 games last season Anderson had a 15-7-5 record with three shutouts, a 2.71 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.

It remains to be seen if his numbers will be as solid as a starter with the Avalanche next season, but this will be his shot at establishing himself.