The Avalanche have signed 2016 first-round pick Tyson Jost to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced this evening. Terry Frei of the Denver Post tweets that the 10th-overall pick could play with the squad as soon as Friday.
Reports from yesterday were a bit pessimistic that a deal would get done this season. Jost and his North Dakota teammates were knocked out of the NCAA playoffs, so it’d be natural for the talented prospect to go professional. However, considering his age, there were some whispers that the forward may return to college for a second season. The 19-year-old had a fantastic season with the Fighting Hawks, collecting 38 points in 35 games. Jost also had a standout performance playing for Team Canada at the World Juniors, tallying four points in seven games.
“We are excited to announce that Tyson has signed his entry-level contract and will be joining us for the rest of this season,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President/general manager Joe Sakic. “Tyson is an all-around player. He competes, plays the game hard and is reliable at both ends of the ice. He just finished a strong year at North Dakota and we’re looking forward to seeing him in an Avalanche sweater.”
Prior to his collegiate career, Jost was the 2015-16 MVP of the British Columbia Hockey League, compiling 42 goals and 62 assists. He also competed at the 2016 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, leading the tournament in points with six goals and nine assists.
Bright future for this kid, it’s a shame the rest of the franchise around him is such a mess.