The Colorado Avalanche continue to get the band back together.
After re-signing nearly every key piece of their Stanley Cup roster from this past season early in the day, the Avalanche continue to keep their star players in-house this summer, agreeing to terms with forward Artturi Lehkonen on a five-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $4.5 million.
The details of the deal, which now ties Lehkonen to Colorado through the 2026-27 season, such as its salary structure and inclusion of any trade protection have yet to be determined.
It’s a fitting continuation of an incredible marriage between player and team.
Lehkonen is one of the best trade deadline acquisitions in recent memory. His counting stats might not jump off the page initially, as the 26-year-old racked up a respectable 19 goals and 38 points in 74 games between the Canadiens and Avalanche last season, but Lehkonen really turned on the jets in the playoffs to become a key piece of Colorado’s Cup-winning attack.
It’s Lehkonen’s versatility and defensive mastery, though, that really make those who coach him fall in love, as his skill as a penalty killer and his forechecking might make him a threat to be reckoned with.
At a $4.5 million cap hit, the Avalanche have now locked down Lehkonen’s prime years at a wholly reasonable price, keeping the core of their dominant championship roster intact as they prepare to defend their title next season.
It seems to be a deal that works out quite well for both sides. And in the cutthroat world of professional sports, isn’t that nic to see?
