The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed defenseman Stefan Elliott to an entry-level contract.

Elliott, 20, led all Western Hockey League defensemen with 31 goals and tied for first with 81 points in 71 games for the Saskatoon Blades this season.  He was the first WHL blueliner to reach the 30-goal mark since 2006-07.  The Vancouver, B.C., native led the entire league in plus/minus with a +62 rating.

Colorado’s third selection (second round, 49th overall) in the 2009 Entry Draft, Elliott finished his junior career as the highest scoring defenseman in Blades franchise history, compiling 241 points (82g/159a) in 282 career games.  Elliott helped Saskatoon capture the league’s best record during the regular season and he and his teammates will face No. 8 seed Prince Albert in the first round of the WHL playoffs beginning this Saturday (March 26).

“Stefan is another one of our talented young defensemen in the Avalanche system,” said Avalanche General Manager / Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.  “He has put together a strong final season of junior hockey and we look forward to him beginning his pro career with our organization.”

“I’m really excited,” said Elliott.  “The Avalanche is a great young organization and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of that.  Right now, I’m looking forward to hopefully a long playoff run with Saskatoon.”