DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche has secured a key player for the long haul, inking forward Logan O’Connor to a six-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2030-31 season. O’Connor, 28, is recovering from hip surgery that cut short his previous season, but still managed to notch a career-best 13 goals in 57 games.
The Avalanche are thrilled to have O’Connor locked in, according to General Manager Chris MacFarland. “He’s a tireless worker and competitor who brings a unique energy to the lineup every night,” MacFarland said. “His speed and agility make him a formidable two-way player, and he’s one of our top penalty-killers.”
Before turning pro, O’Connor played three seasons for the University of Denver, winning an NCAA championship in 2016-17. He signed with Colorado as a free agent in 2018 and made his NHL debut on December 31, 2018. Over six seasons, he’s played in 263 games, scoring 35 goals.
As news of his extension spread, O’Connor said around 10 teammates reached out to congratulate him. “It shows how special our locker room is,” he said. O’Connor is eager to get back to the top of the hockey world, along with teammates Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen.
The Avalanche are still waiting on the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog (knee) and forward Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder surgery), but O’Connor’s comeback provides a much-needed boost. “I think the organization gives us the opportunity to win every year,” O’Connor said. “We’ve learned from our failures, and we’re excited to reestablish ourselves as a team that can win it all again.”
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