Parker Kelly Relieved, Excited to Start Season After Signing New Contract

A key piece to the Colorado Avalanche’s bottom six is Parker Kelly and he is locked in for the next five years after signing a four-year contract that begins after the 2025-26 season.

“It’s nice to get some term, and it probably would have been a contract year after this year. So yeah, to not have that looming over your head is hopefully going to free me up and allow me to play my game. It’s definitely a little bit of relief and a lot of excitement too,” Kelly said.

The Avs signed the 26-year-old last year as a free agent, and he will earn $825,000 on this last season of that contract. His four-year contract extension, starting in the 2026-27 season, is set at a $1.7 million AAV.

Kelly has proven his worth with his versatility and physical play. With Logan O’Connor out to start the season, which line and what position he will play is still a mystery.

Read More: Why Avalanche Are More Excited To Start 2025-26 Season

“I can play either or, no problem. On the wing allows me to use my suite a little bit more. And I’m probably a little bit more offensive-minded on the wing,” Kelly said. “Playing center, you’re kind of behind the play a little bit and, being F3 instead of getting it on the forecheck F1 so I’m definitely probably a little more comfortable being that first in and getting some body on the guy. But I’m definitely comfortable playing whatever Bedsy (head coach Jared Bednar) needs for me.”

Watch the video above for more on Kelly’s excitement to start the season and what he had to say about the power play.