O’Connor gets new two- year contract

The Avalanche re- signed forward Logan O’Connor on a two- year deal that will keep the former University of Denver star at home through the 2021- 22 season, the team announced Friday.

The two- way contract will pay O’Connor $ 700,000 with the Avs and $ 175,000 with the Colorado Eagles in the first year, before turning into an NHL deal for $ 750,000 in the second year, according to a team source.

O’Connor, 24, played in 16 games for Colorado during the regular season ( scoring two goals) in addition to splitting time between the Avs and its AHL- affiliate Colorado Eagles. O’Connor made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in the second round against the Dallas Stars and provided an instant boost as a bottom- six forward with gritty and opportunistic play over five postseason games — earning one assist in Game 6.

“Logan has continued to elevate his game each season and made the most of his opportunities this year and in the Stanley Cup playoffs,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said in a news release. “He’s a hardworking player who brings speed and energy to our lineup and we’re excited to have him for another two seasons.”

The Avalanche signed O’Connor as a free agent in 2018 after three standout seasons at DU. He finished his college career with 43 points ( 16 goals) and captured an NCAA championship as a sophomore in 2016-‘ 17. O’Connor has also been a consistent producer in the AHL with 67 points ( 31 goals) over the past two seasons.

The Avalanche have contract decisions looming for several forwards this offseason. Andre Burakovsky, Tyson Jost and Valeri Nichushkin are restricted free agents. Vladislav Namestnikov, Colin Wilson and Matt Nieto are unrestricted free agents.