Avalanche Sign Tye Felhaber to Two-Year Deal

The Avalanche have added depth up front Tye Felhaber on a two-year contract that runs for this season and next, per club announcement. Financial terms were not disclosed, although it is probably a two-way deal for the smaller journeyman.

It’s unclear if Felhaber ends up on waivers later today or if the signing doubles as the 26-year-old’s first NHL call-up. However, today’s news does not mark his first NHL contract. The former OHL All-Star signed an entry-level contract with the Stars as an undrafted free agent in 2019 after lighting up the major junior circuit in his overage season, tallying 109 points in 68 games with the Ottawa 67s and leading the league in the playoffs . in goal with 17 in 18 outings.

However, Felhaber could not translate that production into something meaningful on a professional level. He managed just eight goals and 18 points in 86 appearances for the Stars’ AHL affiliate over parts of three seasons before they traded him to the Lightning midway through the final season of his contract. Tampa Bay understandably chose not to make him a qualifying offer when his deal expired, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Ontario native has since been traded on minor league deals. After his non-tender, he signed an ECHL contract with the Fort Wayne Komets, and the decrease in competition proved to be sensible for his development. Felhaber exploded for 63 points in 51 games, helping him rebuild his offensive confidence and landing more prolific minutes in subsequent AHL games with Milwaukee and Colorado. He has skated in a top-nine role for the Avalanche’s primary affiliate this season, leading the team with eight goals in 23 appearances.

The Avalanche have an open guard spot, so there would be no corresponding move required to keep Felhaber around at the moment. He could join the Avs on their road trip and make his NHL debut tomorrow in Vancouver.