Avalanche sign forward Joel Kiviranta to one-year deal

From a professional tryout to a second deal for the Finnish forward, Joel Kiviranta has agreed to a one-year, two-way contract to return to the Colorado Avalanche, the team announced on Monday.

The 28-year-old played in 56 regular season games for the Avalance throughout the 2023-24 season, logging nine points (three goals and six assists).

Kiviranta also appeared in all eight of Colorado’s post-season contests, chipping in a goal and an assist.

The five-foot-11 forward joined the Avalance last November, earning an NHL deal following a PTO. His first years in the league came with Dallas in 2019, signing with the Stars as an undrafted free agent following six seasons with the SM-Liiga’s Jokerit (2013-14) and Vaasan Sport (2014-19).

Kiviranta has since appeared in 219 NHL games, racking up 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) while playing in three consecutive Stanley Cup Playoffs — reaching the Western Conference Final with Dallas in 2023.