DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche shored up their depth at center Wednesday by bringing back Brock Nelson on a three-year deal. It is worth $22.5 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because financial terms were not announced.

The Colorado Avalanche traded for forward Brock Nelson before the trade deadline and is now returning him on a three-year extension.

However, for every other NHL franchise, the offseason has already begun. The Colorado Avalanche got an early start on their offseason to-do list as they re-signed one of their top free agents. The team signed veteran forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension that will be worth $7.