The Avalanche added another forward on Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year deal with Tomas Tatar. The contract is worth a reported $1.5 million and will give the Avs a fifth incoming top-nine forward to shore up its offensive depth.
Today is one year to the date the #Avs signed Evan Rodrigues to a slightly more expensive contract https://t.co/1xUx4jOASs
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) September 12, 2023
Tatar, 32, is coming off a 20-goal, 48-point regular-season performance with the New Jersey Devils in 82 games. He followed that up with just one goal in 12 playoff appearances.
With this latest signing, Colorado will begin training camp with Ryan Johansen, Ross Colton, Miles Wood, Jonathan Drouin and Tomas Tatar all expected to be among the top three lines. Another newcomer, Fredrik Olofsson, is also battling for a depth role.
“Tomas has been a consistent, productive player throughout his NHL career,” Avs general manager Chris MacFarland said in a team statement. “He is a veteran winger who brings scoring depth to our middle six and can contribute at both ends of the ice. We are excited to have him under contract for this season.”
Drafted No. 60 overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2009, Tatar has 211 goals and 455 points in 783 career regular-season games. He also has seven goals and 13 points in 52 playoff appearances.
Tatar is a seven-time 20-goal scorer.