DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Kevin Connauton and a third-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for forward Carl Soderberg.

Connauton, 29, skated in 50 games for the Coyotes during the 2018-19 season, tallying eight points (1g/7a). Selected by Vancouver in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Connauton has registered 76 points (27g/49a) in 310 career NHL games for the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets and Coyotes. The Edmonton, Alberta, native appeared in his 300th NHL contest this past Feb. 12 at Vegas.

“I’d like to thank Carl for everything he has done for the Avalanche both on and off the ice,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. “This trade allows some of our young centermen to have a chance to play a more prominent role on our team while adding an experienced defenseman to our roster.”

Connauton established career highs in games (73), goals (11) and points (21) with the Coyotes in 2017-18. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound rearguard made his NHL debut with the Stars in 2013-14, dressing in 36 regular season games (1g/7a) and four playoff contests (0g/0a). He was selected to the 2011-12 AHL All-Star Game with the Chicago Wolves in a season in which he had 33 points (13g/20a) in 73 games. Prior to turning pro, Connauton was named to the WHL (West) First All-Star Team and Canadian Major Junior All-Rookie Team with the Vancouver Giants in 2009-10.