Toninato, 23, wrapped up a four-year career with Minnesota Duluth in 2016-17, serving as team captain during his senior season. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound center registered 29 points (16g/13a) in 42 games and finished with a team-high +25 plus/minus rating, helping the Bulldogs capture their first-ever National Collegiate Hockey Conference title and advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four championship game. He was named to the NCHC All-Tournament Team alongside current Avalanche forward Tyson Jost and named the league's best defensive forward, finishing with 29 blocked shots.

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward Dominic Toninato to a two-year, entry-level contract through the 2018-19 season. Toninato became a college free agent on Aug. 15.

In 151 career games with Minnesota Duluth, Toninato accumulated 91 points (54g/37a) and finished with a +43 plus/minus rating.

"We are excited to announce that Dominic has decided to sign with our organization," said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. "He is a big, responsible two-way center and represents a solid prospect for the future of our team."

A fifth-round (126th overall) selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2012 NHL Draft, Toninato joined the USHL's Fargo Force following three seasons with Duluth East High School and notched one point (1g/0a) in four contests in 2011-12. In his one full campaign with Fargo in 2012-13, he recorded a team-high (tied) 70 points (29g/41a) in 64 outings, earning USHL Second All-Star Team honors. He added six points (3g/3a) during a 13-game playoff run in which the Force advanced to the Clark Cup finals.

A Duluth, Minnesota, native, Toninato became the second-straight Duluth East High School alum to wear the "C" for UMD. He was named a Mr. Hockey Award finalist in 2012 and was the first Minnesota prep player to be selected in the NHL Draft that year.