Casey Mittelstadt signs a three-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche extend the new 2C in town for three years at 5.75M.

The 2023-24 season is over, and the Colorado Avalanche is getting things squared away for 2024-25 and beyond. The first thing on the to-do list was re-signing RFA Casey Mittelstadt; they can check that box this morning. The 25-year-old will spend the next three seasons in the Mile High City, hoping to build on his last. He scored a career-high 18 goals and was noticeably comfortable and impactful during Colorado’s playoff appearance. The Avalanche secured Casey’s talents for 5.75 million a season, a relatively team-friendly figure. The Mittelstadt camp apparently made way for more AAV by sacrificing term.

Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland has been looking to fill the void that Nazem Kadri left at second-line center. He may have done so with this acquisition and subsequent extension. Mittelstadt’s numbers should improve the longer he plays in Colorado, which already has a talented top-six group when he is fully healthy. If Casey lands on PP1 with MacKinnon, Makar, and company, I imagine he will have another career year. Career years are pretty standard around Colorado.

Up next on the checklist is Jonathan Drouin, who came to Colorado seeking redemption. He found his game alongside long-time friend Nathan MacKinnon and earned another NHL contract. The question is, what will he come in at? His representation is infamous for sticking things out to ensure the highest pay. That said, it’s hard to imagine Drouin being comfortable with leaving what he’s found here in humble Colorado. Away from the “big lights” in Canada. More like away from the toxic fanaticism in Canada.

We will discuss this contract on today’s Mile High Hockey Lab episode, which is set to go LIVE at 3:30 p.m. MT. Tune in and join our conversation via live comments!