The Colorado Avalanche on Thursday signed center Matt Duchene to a five-year contract extension. Financial terms were not announced on a deal that kicks in at the start of the 2014-15 season.

Matt Duchene - CAREER STATS Center - COL Goals: 82 | Assists: 111 | Pts: 193

Games: 266 | +/-: -30

"Matt already is and will be a big part of our team's nucleus for the long term," Avalanche executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic said. "We all felt that it was important for us to secure his rights for several seasons. With his great skills, speed and character, he represents the identity we want the Avalanche to be."

Duchene, 22, was second on the Avalanche with 17 goals and 43 points last season. In four seasons since being selected with the third pick of the 2009 NHL Draft, Duchene has 82 goals and 193 points in 266 games.

He had 55 points as a rookie in 2009-10 to help the Avalanche reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and in 2011 played in his first NHL All-Star Game.

"In 2009 I was thrilled to have been selected by the Avalanche, my favorite team," Duchene said. "I have worn this uniform with pride in my first four professional seasons in Denver, and I appreciate the organization believing in me for the long-term future.

"I have been working really hard again this summer, and I am looking forward to the upcoming training camp and season."