Colorado Avalanche: Evaluation of Tyson Jost Contract

Colorado Avalanche forward Tyson Jost has inked a one-year deal with the team, which takes him through the 2020-21 season.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed restricted free agent, forward Tyson Jost, to a one-year contract for the 2020-21 season. Jost just completed his entry-level contract. The term is $874,125, according to CapFriendly.

Previously, GM Joe Sakic had remarked that the two sides had been looking at a two-year contract, which tends to be standard for the first contract after entry level. There could be different reasons that they settled on one year.

To my mind, one-year contracts are usually show-me deals. We saw that last season with both Valeri Nichushkin and Andre Burakovsky. The team offers a player the chance to show his mettle. How well he does dictates the length and value of his next contract — or even if he will receive one.

Detractors will state that Jost has a lot to prove. Well, he’s got this season to do so, whenever it may start. He has confidence in his abilities, so I’m sure he’s satisfied with a show-me contract.

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Last season, Jost recorded 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists). He also recorded his first career hat trick. He’s played 208 NHL games and recorded 32 goals and 40 assists for 72 points.

Sakic said of the signing:

“Heading into the offseason we made it a priority to sign our restricted free agents in Andre (Burakovsky), Valeri (Nichushkin), Ryan (Graves) and now Tyson. Tyson is a strong two-way player who has NHL experience at a young age and continues to grow his game.”

Indeed, Jost has worked hard to develop the defensive aspect of his game. It was a big part of his game in the BCHL and at the University of North Dakota. When he first joined Colorado, though, he was tasked with focusing more on his offensive game, specifically his skating. However, he’s worked hard on his defensive game.

Last season, he even spent time on the penalty kill. Because of his skating and stick work, he was particularly adept at that position.

The Colorado Avalanche also signed AHL goalie Hunter Miska to a contract. They are now finished with their own free agent signings at the moment. Presumably, the team may still look for some unrestricted free agents on the market, but they are likely satisfied with the level of depth they have for now.