The Colorado Avalanche has re-signed forward Casey Mittelstadt to a three-year contract extending through the 2026-27 season. Mittelstadt, 25, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on March 6, 2024. In 18 regular-season games with Colorado, he notched 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists), ranking among the team leaders in these categories. In the playoffs, he added nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 11 games, tying for the team lead in even-strength points. His playoff performance included a three-game point streak in the first round.
Drafted eighth overall by Buffalo in the 2017 NHL Draft, the 6’1″, 195-pound forward had a productive 2023-24 season. He amassed 57 points (18 goals, 39 assists) in 80 games combined between Buffalo and Colorado, nearly matching his career-high from the previous season. At the time of his trade, Mittelstadt led the Sabres with 47 points (18 goals, 33 assists) in 62 games, achieving a career-high in goals. He scored his first goal for the Avalanche in his second game on March 12 against Calgary and had a five-game point streak in his first month with the team.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland praised Mittelstadt’s fit with the team and his contributions during the playoffs, highlighting his potential for further growth. Mittelstadt enters the 2024-25 season with 357 NHL games under his belt, recording 196 points (66 goals, 130 assists) over his career. He set career-highs in assists (44) and points (59) during the 2022-23 season, playing all 82 games for Buffalo.
Mittelstadt also spent time in the AHL with the Rochester Americans in 2019-20, where he earned 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) in 36 games. Before turning professional, he played one season with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, scoring 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 34 games and earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Rookie Team. He also played for the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers and led Team USA in scoring at the 2018 World Junior Championship, where he won a bronze medal and was named Tournament MVP.
Hailing from Edina, Minnesota, Mittelstadt is expected to play a significant role for the Avalanche in the coming seasons.
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