DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche agreed to a five-year extension with forward Matt Duchene that will run through the 2018-19 season.
The 22-year Duchene is coming off a season in which he dished out a team-leading 26 assists and tied for the squad's top spot in scoring with 43 points.
Avalanche executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic said on Thursday that Duchene "represents the identity we want the Avalanche to be."
The flashy forward was the No. 3 pick in the 2009 draft by the Avalanche, a team Duchene rooted for as a kid. He has been among the club's top-three scorers in three of his four seasons with Colorado.
"I appreciate the organization believing in me for the long-term future," Duchene said.
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