The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward T.J. Tynan to a one-year contract extension. The new deal will carry Tynan through 2020-21. He would have been a free agent after this year but Colorado has secured one of its depth options for one more season. The news was announced early Thursday afternoon.
We have signed TJ Tynan to a one-year contract. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/u5JSvM9vQ0
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 26, 2020
Avalanche Extend TJ Tynan
The Avalanche originally signed Tynan last summer in free agency. The former third-round pick from the 2011 draft had been playing with the Vegas Golden Knights‘ AHL affiliate in Chicago. Tynan was an excellent contributor in the minor league with 12 goals and 71 points in 71 games. He continued his strong play with two goals and 13 points in 22 playoff games.
Tynan has been a part-time contributor for Colorado this season. He has played in just 16 games with one assist. However, he has acted as an excellent distributor in the AHL yet again with five goals and 47 points in 42 games. Tynan’s recent stats show that the 5’8″ centre is able to get the puck to scoring options with great effect. He doesn’t have the physical size to play a significant role but there is always room for someone with vision and passing ability.
What This Means for Colorado
There is a good deal of uncertainty surrounding the near future for North American hockey. Nobody knows when or if play will resume this season. We could see radical changes to free agency depending on what the league and players union decide. Colorado isn’t taking any chances in locking up an experienced depth contributor.
Tynan will most likely be a fifth or six centre option next season again. Colorado is very strong down the middle with players such as Nathan MacKinnon handling centre duties. Despite the team’s depth, Tynan could still crack the fourth line with a strong offseason and training camp. Colorado values his skills enough to give him another season’s worth of work.
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