The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club has officially signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract for the 2025-26 NHL season. This marks Kiviranta’s third contract with the Avalanche, solidifying his role as a dependable and versatile player on the roster.
The 29-year-old winger’s return is welcomed by both management and fans, especially after a standout 2024-25 season where he demonstrated consistent offensive production and valuable two-way play. Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland praised Kiviranta’s work ethic, responsibility, and ability to contribute effectively at five-on-five situations.
From Finland to NHL Glory Kiviranta’s Journey of Perseverance and Playoff Success
During the 2024-25 regular season, Kiviranta appeared in 79 games and achieved several personal milestones. He set career highs in goals (16) and points (23) while also scoring his first two career game-winning goals.
The winger recorded his first three multi-goal games, including a career-first regular-season hat trick on December 22 against Seattle. His offensive surge highlighted his growing confidence and offensive role with the team, making him a more prominent scoring threat in the Avalanche lineup.
Joel Kiviranta (NHL)Kiviranta’s impact extended beyond his scoring in 2024-25. He reached his 100th game in an Avalanche uniform on January 11, 2025, and over his 135 games with Colorado, he has collected 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists).
His season featured a personal-best four-game goal streak in early March, starting with his second career shorthanded goal. These performances underscore his ability to produce in key moments, whether on the penalty kill, at even strength, or in high-pressure game situations.
From Finland to NHL Glory Kiviranta’s Journey of Perseverance and Playoff Success
Since making his NHL debut in 2019, Kiviranta has played in 298 regular-season games with the Avalanche and Dallas Stars, tallying 60 points (35 goals, 25 assists). His postseason experience is significant, with appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in four consecutive seasons and five of his six years in North America.
Kiviranta has 14 playoff points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 51 games, highlighted by his 2020 Stanley Cup Final appearance with Dallas and a Western Conference Final berth in 2023. He is perhaps best remembered for his Game 7 hat trick against Colorado in the 2020 playoffs, which helped propel Dallas forward.
Before joining the NHL, Kiviranta played in Finland’s top professional league, the SM-Liiga, splitting six seasons between Jokerit and Vaasan Sport. Over 261 Liiga games, he recorded 114 points (60 goals, 54 assists).
Internationally, he has represented Finland with distinction, winning gold at the 2019 IIHF World Championship and bronze at the 2013 U-18 World Championship alongside future Avalanche teammate Artturi Lehkonen. His journey from an undrafted free agent signing in 2019 to a proven NHL contributor is a testament to his perseverance and competitive drive.
