While we knew the Predators were not going to re-sign Shane O'Brien, it's official now. While the length and value of the contract have yet to be announced, the Colorado Avalanche are reporting via their twitter page that they have signed the defenseman that Predators fans had grown to love (and sometimes hate, especially during the Anaheim series).

The Predators traded for O'Brien just before the beginning of the 2010-2011 season and he played a vital role on the blueline, especially on the penalty kill. O'Brien probably took more penalties than Predators fans would have liked, but he brought physicality and toughness that we had really only seen with Jordin Tootoo, but with more size.

O'Brien was also a vital cog in Nashville's historic series win over Anaheim this year, when he was out of the penalty box, and we'll all fondly remember O'Brien's "scoreboard" taunt after the Preds' 4-1 victory in Game 1.

I would've liked to see Shane-O stay for another year or so, especially because of his physical presence in front of the net, but there are just too many budding stars in Milwaukee who David Poile and co. thinks are ready to contribute this year. Colorado will be a great landing spot, as he'll be able to give a little stability to their blueline. Read the full release from the team here.

What's your favorite Shane O'Brien memory?

Update: TSN is reporting that it will only be a one year deal. Interesting, because it was speculated that O'Brien wanted to find a longer deal after bouncing around from place to place in the NHL.