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Artturi Lehkonen Is Making It Impossible for the Avalanche to Wait on an Extension

Colorado Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen is off to a historic start this season, posting six goals in just eight games—a pace that surpasses his previous best through the same point in a campaign. The 2023 Stanley Cup winner signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal with the Avalanche in July 2022, but with his contract set to expire and his production already outpacing expectations, the team may need to act quickly to secure his services long-term.

Lehkonen’s impact extends beyond scoring; his physical play, clutch performances in high-pressure moments, and ability to drive offense in critical situations have made him a cornerstone of Colorado’s success, including game-winning goals in past playoff runs against Edmonton and Tampa Bay. While he remains humble and avoids drawing attention to himself, his current form is forcing the Avalanche to reconsider how they value him under the salary cap—especially as his next contract could reflect his rising production and playoff pedigree.

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