Veteran forward Tomas Tatar is consistent and dependable and should add production to Colorado's middle six. The addition of Tomas Tatar increased the Colorado Avalanche’s depth and solidified another powerful line. The 32-year-old played all 82 games with the New Jersey Devils last season and had a plus-41 rating. He scored 20 goals in the regular season and one in the playoffs. The Avalanche signed the veteran forward to a one-year contract for $1.5 million [https://puckpedia.com/player/tomas-tatar] on Sept. 12, and he was already on the ice at an informal skate with the team that morning. Tatar not only adds depth to the offense but also experience — which could help with some leadership on and off the ice. And with Gabriel Landeskog out for the season, the team may need contributions from the veterans to help fill that role. “Tomas has been a consistent, productive player throughout his NHL career,” GM Chris MacFarland. “He is a veteran winger who brings scoring depth to our middle six and can contribute at both ends of the ice. We are excited to have him under contract for this season.” The Slovakian winger was selected 60th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. He spent more than six years with the Red Wings before joining the Vegas Golden Knights midseason in 2018. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens prior to the 2018-19 season and had a career-high 61 points with the Habs the following year. He signed with the Devils as a free agent in 2021. Tatar's versatility and talent could produce offense in the top six -- depending on where the other new additions to the team end up. But even if he lands on the third line, he should still score at least 15-20 goals.
