Joel Kiviranta has re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche for a one-year contract. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed. The 29-year-old forward contributed significantly to the Avalanche last season, tallying 23 points with 16 goals and seven assists over 79 regular-season games, though he struggled in the playoffs without any points in seven games. Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland praised Kiviranta's work ethic and his reliability as a 5-on-5 contributor, emphasizing his value in the team's lineup.

Kiviranta, who initially joined the NHL as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Stars in May 2019, has accumulated a total of 60 points (35 goals, 25 assists) in 298 regular seasons games across both the Stars and Avalanche, alongside 14 points in 51 playoff games. His return is expected to bolster the Avalanche's depth as they aim for another successful season.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract, marking the third consecutive year the team has brought back the 29-year-old left winger. Kiviranta enjoyed a solid 2022-23 season, scoring 23 points through 79 games, including a standout hat trick against Seattle. Despite a lackluster postseason performance with no points in seven games, the Avalanche value his versatility and five-on-five contributions. General Manager Chris MacFarland praised Kiviranta's work ethic, citing his potential to reach 300 career NHL games early in the new season.

The Colorado Avalanche displayed dominance against the Ottawa Senators, scoring four goals in the first period to secure a decisive 5-1 victory. Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, Cale Makar, and Joel Kiviranta all contributed to the Avalanche's explosive start, chasing goalie Linus Ullmark from the net after just over 17 minutes. This victory is particularly important for Colorado, improving their record to 42-25-3.

In contrast, the Senators, who had previously been on a six-game winning streak, struggled, allowing the Avalanche to capitalize on their mistakes. Despite a solid performance in the second period from Anton Forsberg, who made 19 saves, the Senators fell short. Ottawa is now focused on maintaining their position for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, currently holding on to the first wild-card spot.

In a tightly contested matchup against the Minnesota Wild, the Colorado Avalanche fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 in a shootout. Despite the loss, the Avs maintain a three-point lead over the Wild in the Central Division, a crucial positioning that could prove vital as the season progresses. Joel Kiviranta scored late to force overtime, marking his fourth straight game with a goal, showcasing his emergence as a key depth scorer for Colorado.

However, the game was not without its challenges. A critical mistake by Martin Necas led to Minnesota's opening goal, highlighting the need for sharper decision-making as the playoffs approach. The Avalanche have depth to spare since the recent trade deadline, prompting coach Jared Bednar to navigate roster rotations judiciously, perhaps to keep players fresh down the stretch.

The Colorado Avalanche are in a precarious position as the March 7 trade deadline approaches, struggling with consistency and goal production. With a 9-9-2 record in their last 20 games and averaging just 2.6 goals per game, they find themselves near the bottom of the league in scoring. Coach Jared Bednar has highlighted that secondary scoring is needed, particularly as Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a crucial player on the ice.

Valeri Nichushkin's potential return could provide a much-needed boost, as he practiced with key players ahead of a game against the New Jersey Devils. Meanwhile, Casey Mittelstadt's performance has dipped significantly, and other forwards like Joel Kiviranta and Ross Colton have also been underperforming. The Avalanche’s depth has been called into question, with Bednar emphasizing the need for contributions from all lines if they hope to improve before the playoffs.