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Tomas Tatar surprised fans and reporters during an offseason skate last Tuesday when he joined the Colorado Avalanche on the ice. At the time, it was still believed that Tatar was a free agent. However, shortly after Tatar started skating, the Avalanche announced that they had signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
Tatar expressed his eagerness to join the team as quickly as possible before training camp. He sees the advantage of getting to know his teammates and developing chemistry before the season starts. With Tatar projected to be worth $4.4 million this season, the Avalanche made a good deal for a player who has consistently hit the 20-goal threshold in his career.
This offseason’s negotiations did not go the way Tatar initially hoped. He switched agents and had to wait until September to sign with the Avalanche. However, the team waited out the market and eventually secured his signature. Last season, the Avalanche had success with a similar approach when they signed Evan Rodrigues, who went on to earn a four-year deal with the Florida Panthers after putting up impressive numbers with Colorado. Tatar hopes to follow a similar path by playing for a championship contender and potentially earning a notable pay increase in 2024.
The Avalanche emerged as a potential destination for Tatar later in the summer. Miroslav Zálešák, the team’s head of European scouting, was the first person from the organization that Tatar spoke with. After talking to general manager Chris MacFarland, coach Jared Bednar, and some of the players, including captain Gabriel Landeskog, Tatar felt a sense of familiarity and comfort, which influenced his decision to join the team.
Tatar already has connections with several Avalanche players from his previous teams. He played with Artturi Lehkonen and Jonathan Drouin in Montreal and was teammates with Miles Wood in New Jersey. The playing style of both the Devils and Avalanche, characterized by speed and pace, should aid Tatar’s transition.
Although Tatar’s postseason performances have been scrutinized in the past, signing him to an affordable contract was a worthwhile move for the Avalanche. Tatar’s scoring rate in the regular season is significantly higher than in the playoffs, but considering his cost, it is a reasonable risk for Colorado.
The Avalanche have also welcomed other newcomers, including Drouin, Wood, Ross Colton, Ryan Johansen, and Fredrik Olofsson. Additionally, they signed Joel Kiviranta, Saku Maenalanen, and Peter Holland to professional tryouts, meaning there could be a significant number of new faces in the Avalanche’s opening night lineup.
Colton, who played against Tatar in the Eastern Conference, spoke highly of the late offseason signing, praising Tatar’s success in the league and his energy in the locker room.
As for Tatar’s golf game, he jokingly admitted that it is not his strong suit. However, the Avalanche are paying him to play hockey, and Tatar is more than capable of holding his own on the ice.
Overall, Tatar’s addition to the Avalanche brings depth and scoring ability to an already talented team. With his experience and potential for a notable pay increase in the future, Tatar is excited to be part of a team with championship potential.