The Colorado Avalanche has signed left wing Steve Konowalchuk to a multi-year contract.

"Steve Konowalchuk was a key acquisition for us last season and I know that our fans will be thrilled to know that he has committed to our Club for the next three seasons instead of electing to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1," said Colorado Avalanche President and General Manager Pierre Lacroix. "Steve played extremely well for us last season, but on top of that he is a true leader and warrior on the ice."

"I truly enjoyed my first season in Colorado," added Konowalchuk. "Theres a winning tradition here with the Avalanche organization. Denver represents an unbelievable environment to play hockey in. Thats why I opted to sign now instead of testing the free agent market and looking at options elsewhere."

Konowalchuk, 31, was acquired from the Washington Capitals this past October. He played in 82 games, including 76 with the Avalanche, collecting 19 goals (three game-winners and one game-tying) and 21 assists for 40 points adding 70 penalty minutes. Those totals marked his third-highest single-season goal total and fifth-highest point total in addition to being the most goals, assists, and points he had registered since the 2000-01 season.

The Avalanche had gone 2-3-0 prior to his acquisition before posting a 10-3-1 mark in the 14 games after, with Konowalchuk notching eight goals over that span, including three multi-goal efforts. He finished the season with 12 multiple-point games and led the team in power play goals with four in 11 playoff games.