The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward David Jones to a four-year contract through the 2015-16 season.

Jones reached the 20-goal mark for the second straight year in 2011-12, finishing with 20 goals, 17 assists and 37 points in 72 games.  He shared the team lead with five game-winning goals, while his 20 goals overall ranked third on the squad.  The Guelph, Ontario native tied for fourth on the club in points.

“David has been one of our top offensive players over the past two seasons,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.  “He is a product of our organization who has developed into a proven goal scorer.  We are pleased to have him under contract as he enters the prime of his career.”

Jones, 27, scored two overtime goals this past season, giving him five in his career (third-most in franchise history).  In fact, all five of his OT winners have come since Jan. 1, 2011, tied with Steven Stamkos for the highest total of any NHL player during that time span.  Jones’ three OT markers in 2010-11 established a single-season team record.

Selected by Colorado in the ninth round (288th overall) of the 2003 Entry Draft, Jones became the lowest Avalanche/Nordiques draft choice to ever make it to the NHL when he made his debut in 2007-08.  The 6-foot-2, 210-pound right wing has appeared in 239 career games, tallying 67 goals and 50 assists for 117 points.  Jones tied for the club lead with 27 goals in 2010-11.