[NHL] Joel Kiviranta Inks One-Year Deal with Colorado Avalanche for 2023-24 Season
(Denver = Wongeol Jeong) The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club made an exciting announcement today, revealing that forward Joel Kiviranta has signed a one-year contract for the 2023-24 season. The 27-year-old Finn, who joined the Avalanche on a Professional Tryout contract (PTO) during the 2023 Training Camp, has demonstrated his prowess with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.
Since the beginning of the season, Kiviranta has showcased his skills on the ice, amassing six points (2 goals and 4 assists) in just 10 games. His impressive performance places him tied for fourth in points on the club, underscoring his value to the team.
Kiviranta arrived in the 2023-24 season with a notable NHL career, having accumulated 28 points (16 goals and 12 assists) in 163 regular-season games. Additionally, he boasts 12 points (6 goals and 6 assists) from 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games, all achieved during his tenure with the Dallas Stars from 2019 to 2023.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 185 pounds, the left-wing player made a significant impact during the 2022-23 season with the Dallas Stars, registering nine points (8 goals and 1 assist) in 70 regular-season games. Notably, his eight goals marked a career-high, and he contributed five points (1 goal and 4 assists) in 15 postseason contests, aiding the Stars in securing a Western Conference Final berth.
Kiviranta’s journey in North America began in the 2019-20 season, primarily with the Texas Stars in the AHL. However, his standout performance earned him a spot on the 2020 postseason roster, where he contributed six points (5 goals and 1 assist) in 14 games. One of the highlights of his postseason debut was a memorable hat trick in Game 7 of the Second Round against none other than the Colorado Avalanche.
The Vantaa, Finland native initially entered the North American professional hockey scene when he signed with the Dallas Stars as an undrafted free agent on May 31, 2019. Before making the leap to the NHL, Kiviranta showcased his skills in the SM-Liiga, playing for Jokerit (2013-14) and Vaasan Sport (2014-19). In his Liiga career, he accumulated an impressive 114 points (60 goals and 54 assists) in 261 games.
Kiviranta’s success extends beyond the NHL, as he has represented Finland on the international stage. He clinched a gold medal at the 2019 World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2013 U-18 World Championship, where he was teammates with Artturi Lehkonen.
