Ty Lewis signs an entry level contract with the Avalanche

On Monday night the esteemed Renaud Lavoie from TVA Sports dropped a little bit of news that training camp invite and standout Ty Lewis has signed a three-year ELC with the Avalanche. After Lewis’ camp performance and one game of preseason action, which drafted prospects aren’t even guaranteed to recieve, there was genuine curiosity if the Avs were going to sign him. When Lewis was sent back to Brandon in the WHL on September 20th, it seemed that window had passed but it’s a very nice surprise to see a contract given to a potential prospect who came to Colorado and turned some heads.

Thanks to the Brandon Wheat Kings for confirming the good news and providing us the requisite momentous photo for posterity. Cap Friendly also already has the details as well.

Perhaps the contract had been in the works for several weeks since camp started but it’s pretty tough not to wonder if Lewis’ five point performance in his first game back with the Brandon Wheat Kings didn’t serve as a hint that maybe time was of the essence in locking down his rights before the opportunity passed. Lewis followed up with five more points in the next three games and currently leads the team in scoring with ten points.

Where does Lewis go from here? 

Since he is already back playing with his junior team in Brandon, that’s where Lewis will remain. He is 19 years old and will be eligible for the AHL next season. His contract will slide and not count against the Avalanche 50 NHL contract limit with only the signing bonus paid out. If Brandon doesn’t make the playoffs or is eliminated in the first round, which is a decent possibility, then Lewis could potentially join the AHL at the end of the season on a tryout agreement.

Looking long term, Lewis gives the Avs depth at the wing position and flashed enough skill at camp among some of the better prospects to hope that’s an area he can continue to develop and contribute in at the next level. Though he showed he wasn’t quite NHL ready when the competition ramped up, there is clearly enough potential there with Lewis to commit to the time and development in the next few years to come with a professional contract. We’ll look forward to tracking his progress as an Avalanche prospect!