Avalanche sign forward Matt Nieto to 2-year deal

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DENVER (AP) The Colorado Avalanche have agreed on a two-year deal with forward Matt Nieto.

Nieto is coming off a season in which he scored a career-high 15 goals for the Avalanche. He also had his first career NHL hat trick on Oct. 24 against Dallas.

In the postseason, Nieto contributed three assists during a series loss to Nashville.

General manager Joe Sakic said Nieto brings ''speed and offensive depth to our lineup. He adds a lot of energy to our team.''

The 25-year-old Nieto was claimed by Colorado off waivers on Jan. 5, 2017. He had seven goals and four assists in 43 games for the Avalanche in 2016-17.

Nieto was originally a second-round pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2011.