NHL News: Colorado Avalanche Bring Back Joel Kiviranta

Joel Kiviranta is heading back to the Colorado Avalanche, as the Central Division club has announced that they have signed the forward to a one-year contract for the 2025-26 season.

We have signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a One-Year Deal. pic.twitter.com/L3aRDPzA5j
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) August 8, 2025

Kiviranta spent each of the last two seasons with the Avalanche. In 56 games with the Avalanche during the 2023-24 season, 5-foot-11 forward recorded three goals, six assists, nine points, and 78 hits. He then followed that up by putting together a strong 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, as he set new career highs with 16 goals, seven assists, 23 points, and a plus-15 rating in 79 games.

Given how well Kiviranta fit into the Avalanche's lineup, especially this past season, it is not too surprising to see him heading back to Colorado. He should continue to be a solid part of their forward depth and will likely have a spot in their bottom six and penalty kill next season.

In 298 career games over six NHL seasons split between the Dallas Stars and Avalanche, Kiviranta has recorded 35 goals, 25 assists, 60 points, 92 penalty minutes, 463 hits, and a plus-1 rating. It will be very fascinating to see how he improves upon these career stats next season after landing this new one-year contract with the Avalanche from here.