I'm not sure if they liked what they saw from him, or if they're just trying to shake up the team. Either way, Joel Kiviranta has been given an NHL contract by the Colorado Avalanche.

Kiviranta started the season with the Colorado Eagles on an AHL-only deal. After two goals and six points, Kiviranta is headed to the Avalanche.


The contract is until the end of this season, at a cap hit of $775,000.



Kiviranta had taken part in the Avs training camp on a professional tryout in September, and was given the contract with the Eagles at the end. The only other NHL team he's played for his the Dallas Stars, where he spent four seasons and played in 168 games.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar was livid while talking to reporters last after his team lost to the St. Louis Blues by a score of 8-2. He let his players know he wasn't happy.