Yahoo Sports Avalanche Defensive Prospect Signs Two-Year Deal With the Organization
Keaton Middleton, who joined the Colorado Avalanche organization ahead of the 2020-21 season, inked a two-year deal with the team on Thursday. His deal, which kicks in next season, is listed as two-way for the first year and one-way for the second year, per PuckPedia.
We have signed Keaton Middleton to a two-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/rpZVYmevcI
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 2, 2025
Middleton made his NHL debut with the Avalanche during the 2020-21 season. He's known for being a bruiser on the ice, favoring physicality and breakout passes in his own zone. He's not one for venturing deep into the O-zone and has very much so earned his reputation as a stay-at-home defenseman.
The Edmonton native got the call up from the Colorado Eagles, AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, on December 2nd. Since then, he has played 10 games with the Avalanche. Head Coach Jared Bednar sang his praises when asked about the extension and what Middleton has done to earn it following morning skate on Thursday:
"He's improved every year he's been with us. Played some games in the past. I would say this call up has a lot to do with that contract and what he's been able to do, steady, strong, physical, playing within his role, same kind of role he's had with the Eagles, now it's translating to the NHL. Guys [with] his size and physicality and guys that like to play a little mean, they're hard to come by. We've got one here that's homegrown. I think it's a well-deserved contract extension and looking forward to seeing what he can do in the future."
Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Colorado Eagles Head Coach Aaron Schneekloth had a hand in giving Middleton a role as an alternate captain with the AHL club before the 2023 season. While he also attributed his growth as a player, he spoke more to the kind of person and personality he is in the locker room:
"I thought last year was a really big step for Keaton in his maturity and leadership. He's a guy that has taken his game to another level with his consistent work habits and his commitment to getting better. He's got a big voice in the locker room, we saw that last year when we had a lot of player movement, he was a guy that was there all the time and had a big voice and kept the group on the right track."
Middleton had a career year that 2024-24 season with the Eagles, tallying 3 goals and 20 assists in 72 games played. Before his call-up this season, he recorded 4 assists in 17 games played.
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