Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Avalanche forward Casey Mittelstadt signed a three-year, $17.25 million contract on Tuesday that spans through the 2026-27 season.

Mittelstadt recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 18 games after the Avalanche acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres on March 6 in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram. Mittelstadt added nine points (three goals, six assists) in 11 playoff games before Colorado was ousted by the Dallas Stars in the second round.

"Casey was a great fit for our lineup and a big contributor to our team down the stretch and in the playoffs," general manager Chris MacFarland said. "His game has improved every season and he took yet another big jump this past year. We believe he has an even higher level to reach and it was important to get him signed for several years.

"Casey is an exciting, playmaking center with good vision and hands and at just 25 years old is going to be a big part of our team moving forward."

Mittelstadt completed the final season of a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

The Minnesota native has totaled 196 points (66 goals, 130 assists) in 357 career games with the Sabres and Avs. Buffalo selected him with the eighth overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft.

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