Free agent forward Miles Wood is on the move. The former New Jersey Devil has signed with the Colorado Avalanche. Details of the contract have not yet been released.
Miles Wood Signs with Colorado Avalanche
The seven-year veteran has spent his entire career with New Jersey since being drafted 100th overall in 2013. The fourth-line speedster has played in 402 career games, scoring 78 goals and 70 assists for 148 points.
After an injury-plagued 2021-22 that saw Wood play in only three games, he bounced back this past season. Playing primarily fourth-line, Wood scored 13 goals and had 14 assists, while playing a fast and physical brand of hockey.
Wood was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round, 100th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
What This Means for the Colorado Avalanche
The 27-year-old forward will look to bring his energetic style of play to his new team. Wood has shown in the past that he has the capability of providing secondary goalscoring. This is highlighted by a 19-goal season in 2017-18, and a 17-goal season in 2020-21. He has also played in 13 career playoff games where he recorded two goals.
During his time in New Jersey, Wood demonstrated his value by using his heavy frame and elite straight-line speed to get in on the forecheck and behind defenders. Early on in his career, he played higher up in the Devils lineup, but over the past few years has found a home on the fourth-line wing. What [insert team] is banking on is Wood to bring an element of speed and physicality you don’t often see in many fourth-liners. In addition, there may still be hope that he can find his scoring touch again and get close to 20 goals with his new team.
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