Avalanche's Parker Kelly Jokes About His Contract Extension Amid Career-Best Season

Kelly has 15 goals in 60 games and is scoring at a 20-goal pace after signing a 4-year, $1.7 million AAV extension.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Colorado Avalanche forward Parker Kelly is in the midst of a career-best season, having already scored 15 goals in 60 games. This comes after Kelly signed a 4-year, $1.7 million AAV contract extension that begins next season. Teammate Nathan MacKinnon jokingly revealed that Kelly has been "rattled" about the contract, despite it being a respectable deal for a depth player. The Avalanche defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-1, with contributions from throughout the lineup as the team looks to add depth before the trade deadline.

Why it matters

Kelly's breakout season and contract extension highlight the Avalanche's ability to develop depth players and find value in their roster. Despite missing key forwards, the team has gotten contributions from role players like Kelly, who has evolved into a fan favorite similar to Logan O'Connor. This depth will be crucial as the Avalanche look to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Kelly has 8 goals in 21 games since January 1st, tying him for the second-most on the Avalanche behind Brock Nelson's 14 during that span. Kelly's 15 goals on the season put him on pace for 20, a significant increase from his previous career-high. The Avalanche also saw strong performances from other depth players, including Gabe Landeskog, who has 24 points in his last 30 games after a sluggish start to the season.

  • On Tuesday, the Avalanche defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-1.
  • The Avalanche's next game is on Friday at 1 p.m. MT, which is the NHL trade deadline.

The players

Parker Kelly

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who is in the midst of a career-best season, having scored 15 goals in 60 games. Kelly recently signed a 4-year, $1.7 million AAV contract extension that begins next season.

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche, who jokingly revealed that Kelly has been "rattled" about his recent contract extension.

Brock Nelson

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who leads the team with 14 goals since January 1st.

Gabe Landeskog

The captain of the Colorado Avalanche, who has 24 points in his last 30 games after a sluggish start to the season.

Brett Kulak

A defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who recorded his first point with the team on the second Kelly goal.

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What they’re saying

“[Parker Kelly] is always talking about how bad his contract is he signed.”

— Nathan MacKinnon (coloradohockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Avalanche will look to add depth before the NHL trade deadline on Friday at 1 p.m. MT.

The takeaway

Kelly's breakout season and contract extension showcase the Avalanche's ability to develop depth players and find value in their roster, which will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep playoff run despite missing key forwards.