Eagles Sign NHL Veterans to AHL Contracts

Both Peter Holland and Joel Kiviranta did not make the Colorado Avalanche, but they’re sticking around with the organization.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Colorado Eagles announced they had signed the two NHL veterans to one-year AHL contracts. While neither of them have earned NHL contracts yet, they’re staying in the state, and will be watched closely by the organization.

Does any of this sound familiar? It should, because it’s exactly what the Avalanche did with Alex Galchenyuk last season. He came to training camp on a PTO, and when he was injured, they kept tabs on him. Once he got healthy, they signed him to an AHL deal. His strong play with the Eagles earned him an NHL contract, and a few call-ups.

I’m sure that’s what the organization is telling these two players. Play well with the Eagles, and we’ll give you a shot.

Holland decided to give hockey one more try after retiring a little over a year ago. He played a few preseason games with the Avalanche, before accepting an offer to attend Eagles camp.

Kiviranta has been an NHL regular for the Dallas Stars for a few seasons now, so the fact he’s willing to accept an AHL deal probably says there aren’t a lot of jobs to be had out there. He played 70 games for Dallas last season, picking up 9 points.

Stay tuned to CHN today, as I’m live in Los Angeles for the season opener.