As NHL training camps get underway, unrestricted free agent Tomas Tatar remained unsigned. Until today. The Colorado Avalanche announced they signed Tatar to a one-year deal.
We have agreed to terms with Tomas Tatar on a one-year deal.
Welcome to Colorado, Tomas ?#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/MeXiq1DNLv
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 12, 2023
Tatar’s deal carries an annual average value of $1.5 million which is excellent value for a player of his caliber.
We have agreed to terms with Tomas Tatar on a one-year deal.
Welcome to Colorado, Tomas ?#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/MeXiq1DNLv
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 12, 2023
There was a lot of speculation about where Tatar could end up. Some reports had him possibly signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Rumors: Detroit Red Wings, and the Market for Tomas Tatar Heating Up
Others had him going to the New York Islanders because he changed agents, and the agent he changed to represented several Islanders players.
NHL Rumors: Tomas Tatar, Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele and Logan Stanley
Instead, Tatar heads out west to play for the Avalanche. Once he was spotted with former teammate Miles Wood on the ice at the Avalanche practice facility you knew something was up.
Tomas Tatar and Miles Wood pic.twitter.com/HPVxhWL9xQ
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) September 12, 2023
Tatar and Wood were teammates for the last couple of seasons with the New Jersey Devils. Wood signed a six-year contract with the Avalanche this past off-season.
Last season with the Devils, Tatar recorded 48 points (20 goals and 28 assists) in 82 games. The year prior in 76 games with the Devils he had 30 points (15 goals and 15 assists).
The Avalanche have made a sneaky good signing in mid-September. It is a low-risk, high-reward type deal.
Colorado gets a really good depth winger in Tomas Tatar, on a low-risk, inexpensive contract.
A very good signing for the Avalanche. pic.twitter.com/OE61ZZXSfQ
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) September 12, 2023
Tatar is still a highly effective forward. He provides depth scoring to an Avalanche team that needs it. Not to mention he still averages 15-20 goals a season.
Tomas Tatar, signed 1x$1.5M by COL, is a skilled veteran shoot-first winger who pushes play in the right direction. He has a pretty well-rounded skillset which unfortunately doesn’t seem to translate when the games get more tight-checking in the playoffs. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/HWfpw0b114
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 12, 2023
Tomas Tatar has chemistry with players like Wood and Jonathan Drouin. Drouin and Tatar were teammates in Montreal.
Again, where he fits in will be determined by the coaching staff. But last season with the Devils he played on the top line with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer. The skillset is there to play alongside Nathan MacKinnon if Jared Bednar chooses to do so.
