Forward Matt Nieto signed a two-year contract through the 2019-20 season with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, July 6.
"Matt brings speed and offensive depth to our lineup," Avalanche Executive Vice President/General manager Joe Sakic said. "He adds a lot of energy to our team and was a big part of our penalty kill this past season. We're excited to have him back for the next two years."
Nieto was claimed off waivers by the Avs on Jan. 5, 2017, in the midst of the team's worst season since moving to Denver from Quebec in 1995. He signed a one-year contract, and in his first season with the Avs, he tallied 11 points (7g, 4a) in 43 contests during the 2016-17 season.
The 25-year-old had a career-high 15-goal season last year and finished with 26 points (15g, 11a), bringing depth as third and fourth line winger -- as well as playing hard minutes on the penalty kill. Nieto also tallied three points (0g, 3a) in six postseason games for the Avs.
In the 2011 NHL Draft, Nieto was selected in the second round (47th overall) by the San Jose Sharks. He played three years in college for Boston University. During his NHL career, Nieto has collected 107 points (50g, 57a) in 338 games.
