Joel Kiviranta isn’t a name readily linked to the Colorado Avalanche. He is an unknown player that has grabbed the hearts of many fans.

The Beginning

Last season, Kiviranta was very unsure of his NHL career, but the Avalanche invited him on a professional tryout (PTO) to training camp. The Avalanche cut him from the roster after training camp, but the Colorado Eagles invited him to their camp. It did not take long for General Manager Kevin MacDonald to make his mind up. Just five days later, Kiviranta signed an AHL contract with the Eagles.

Joel Kiviranta plays for the Colorado Eagles on November 8, 2023 against the Henderson Silver Knights (Photo courtesy of Ashley Potts/ Colorado Eagles).

In ten games with the Eagles, Kiviranta had some modest stats, just two goals and four assists. It was his play away from the puck that impressed the coaches and management. On November 9, 2023, a devastating injury hit the Avalanche. Forward Artturi Lehkonen battled for position against Jamie Oleksiak and lost his footing. Lehkonen went shoulder first into the boards and had to leave the game for the hospital. The team’s Finnish star would miss an extended period.

The Call-up

The Avalanche needed a gritty forward that could play the penalty kill and had speed down the ice. The Avalanche called upon Kiviranta to fill the hole left by Lehkonen, signing him to a one-year, two-way contract. Kiviranta has not looked back since.

Coaches have mentioned that his confidence has grown over the last couple of years. He has also been one of the most consistent players on the ice. His teammates have noticed a difference as well. Kiviranta is often getting playing time over veterans like Miles Wood and Logan O’Connor, both names associated with the Avalanche right away.

He has become an important part of the Avalanche’s penalty kill and bottom-six talent. This season has been a career year for the 28-year-old. He has a career high 15 goals and has already tied his career high for assists. Kiviranta scored his first regular season hat trick on December 22 against the Seattle Kraken. He is one of three players to play every game so far this season, along with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

The Finn will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but it is almost a guarantee that the Avalanche will want to re-sign him. He fit their style of play perfectly. Kiviranta is one of those success stories that you just to read about. He never gave up.