HUGE BOOST: Avalanche Sign crucial key man To huge contract agreement worth $5.75 million

Arguably the most significant (and costly) off-season task is now completed for the Colorado Avalanche.

Casey Mittelstadt, who was brought in from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline, has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Avalanche. According to Pierre Lebrun, the deal has an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million. Mittelstadt had a solid season with 57 points in 80 games, but he truly excelled in the playoffs, leading the team in even-strength points and ending with nine points in 11 games.

With Mittelstadt and Nathan MacKinnon anchoring the center positions, Colorado’s core is solidified. This arrangement also allows Calum Ritchie to develop at a comfortable pace, as he isn’t expected to make his NHL debut next season. Though the three-year term is shorter than the Avalanche might have preferred, a longer deal would have been more expensive, and the team may not be able to afford that currently.

“Casey was an excellent addition to our lineup and a key contributor down the stretch and in the playoffs,” said Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. “His game has progressed every season, and he made another significant leap this past year. We believe he has even greater potential and it was crucial to secure him for multiple years. Casey is an exciting, playmaking center with good vision and hands, and at just 25 years old, he will be a vital part of our team moving forward.”

With Mittelstadt’s contract finalized, Colorado now has a clearer picture of their remaining budget for the off-season. The next priority will be attempting to re-sign Jonathan Drouin, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if the Avalanche cannot reach an agreement with him.

Stay tuned for more updates on this contract and all your Avalanche news as we head into the busiest time of the year.