Colorado Hockey Team: Colorado Avalanche
Joel Kiviranta, the 29-year-old forward from Vantaa, Finland, has established himself as a reliable bottom-six NHL forward over his six-season career. After spending the past two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Kiviranta has amassed 135 games and 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) with the team.
Kiviranta's NHL journey began as an undrafted free agent signing with the Dallas Stars in 2019. Over his four seasons with the Stars and two seasons with the Avalanche, Kiviranta has played 298 regular-season games, accumulating 60 points (35 goals, 25 assists). In the postseason, he has 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 51 games.
The 2024-25 season was a breakout year for Kiviranta with the Avalanche. He set career highs with 16 goals and 23 points in 79 regular-season games, significantly above his prior offensive production. That season also featured his first career hat trick and his first two career game-winning goals. His shooting percentage that year was about 19%, nearly double his career average of 10.9%, contributing to a notable scoring spike.
Despite his impressive regular-season performance, Kiviranta was held scoreless in the 7 Stanley Cup Playoff games that season, averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time per game.
Kiviranta's career with the Avalanche has been marked by his defensive contributions as well. He recorded 114 hits and played on the penalty kill, scoring his second career shorthanded goal in 2024-25.
One of Kiviranta's most memorable moments last season was a hat trick against Seattle on Dec. 22. However, in the 2021 postseason, he had zero points over seven games against the Dallas Stars.
The salary details of Kiviranta's contract were not disclosed, but he has spent the past two seasons on league minimum deals with the Avalanche. Analysts suggest that Kiviranta's offensive production might not be sustained due to his high shooting percentage outlier.
Despite a poor postseason performance, the Avalanche brought back Kiviranta due to his productive regular season and his three multi-goal performances last season. The 2021-22 regular season will likely see Kiviranta cross the 300 career NHL games milestone.
Kiviranta represented Finland internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship before his NHL breakthrough. His hard-working, two-way play and penalty kill contributions make him a valuable asset to the Avalanche.
Joel Kiviranta's impressive career in the NHL extends beyond the Colorado Avalanche, as he began with the Dallas Stars as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Throughout his tenure in the league, he has excelled in various sports, particularly hockey, accumulating 298 regular-season games, 60 points (35 goals, 25 assists), and 14 points in the postseason while playing for both the Stars and the Avalanche.
