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Kaut signs entry-level contract; Nieto, Nemeth elect arbitration |
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Rick Sadowski
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The Avalanche announced Thursday they have signed first-round pick Martin Kaut to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Kaut, an 18-year-old forward, was the No. 16 selection in the 2018 NHL draft and is eligible to play for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League in the fall.
He said last week that he doesn’t want to return to HC Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Republic’s top professional league where last season he had 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 38 games.
The Brno, Czech Republic, native would prefer to play in the AHL. He could play for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, who hold his draft rights.
“I played two years against men, so I think it’s better for me where I will play next season, against men,” Kaut said during the Avalanche’s development camp. “The American Hockey League I think is better for me.”
The 6-foot-2, 176-pound Kaut has represented his country in numerous international events, including the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, where he had seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games.
Kaut helped the Czechs win gold at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament with four points (one goal, three assists) in five games.
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Restricted free agents forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Patrik Nemeth have filed for salary arbitration, though they can still sign with the Avalanche in the meantime. No arbitration dates have been set.
Nieto, 25, had a career-high 15 goals last season with 26 points and a plus-6 plus/minus rating in 74 games. He had three assists in six playoff games. He is coming off a one-year, $1 million contract.
Nemeth, 26, had career highs for goals (three), assists (12), points (15), games (68) and was a team-best plus-27 after being claimed off waivers from Dallas on Oct. 3. He had one assist in six playoff games. He is coming off a one-year, $945,000 contract.
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