The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward Steve Downie to a two-year contract through the 2013-14 season.

Downie, 25, collected 13 points (2g/11a) and was +9 in 20 games with Colorado after being acquired from Tampa Bay on Feb. 21, 2012.  Combined between the Lightning and Avalanche, Downie recorded 41 points (14g/27a) and 137 penalty minutes in 75 games this past season.  His 27 assists were a career high.

“Since his arrival, Steve has provided a unique combination of grit and skill to our lineup,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.  “We’re looking forward to Steve’s contributions to our team for the next two years.”

The Newmarket, Ontario native tallied seven points (2g/5a) in his first four games with Colorado, equaling the most points ever scored by a player in his first four games with Avalanche (Theo Fleury, March of 1999).  Downie had two three-point games as a member of the Avs, matching his career high.

Philadelphia’s first round selection (29th overall) in the 2005 Entry Draft, Downie has collected 137 points (55g/82a) and 654 penalty minutes in 272 career NHL games.  He scored 22 goals for Tampa Bay during the 2009-10 regular season (22g/24a in 79 GP) and helped the Lighting reach the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals by posting 14 points (2g/12a) in 17 playoff games that spring.