DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed restricted free-agent forward Chris Stewart to a two-year contract through the 2011-12 season.

Stewart, 22, led Colorado with 28 goals and finished second on the team in scoring with 64 points in 77 games last season.  Stewart, who scored 25 of his 28 goals at even strength, also paced the Avalanche in both game-winning goals (5) and shots (221).  The Toronto native was +4 for the season and added 100 hits and 73 penalty minutes.  Stewart went on to lead the Avalanche with three goals (3g/0a) in six playoff games.

“We are pleased to have Chris Stewart under contract,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.  “Chris was one of our top offensive players last season and we look forward to seeing him build on what he started a year ago.”