After two games this season, Artturi Lehkonen has proved he is here to stay. Fans are awaiting a contract extension for the Finnish forward, but one has yet to come since July. Lehkonen, who sits at a $4.5 million cap hit, could be on his way to a huge pay raise if he continues down this road. Already with four points in only two games, his role may increase with the departure of Valeri Nichushkin. The Colorado Avalanche better be ready to open their wallets, because Lehky is coming.

Power play

Lehkonen leads the team in power play goals with two. I will say that again. He leads the Avalanche in power play goals. Both goals came against his former teammate Darcy Kuemper on opening night. But they came while playing on the second power play unit. So he did not get as much time as the first unit to convert into a goal. Both goals came from the middle of the slot. He will now provide that pressure on the second unit that Nichushkin used to.

The pressure he has provided

He will have to step up his forecheck even more than he already does with Nichushkin gone. But Lehkonen has shown that he can do that already. His only assist so far this season comes from cutting off the wall and sending a pass to the center Nathan MacKinnon to set up Martin Necas.

A contract year for hockey players is always important for them. He is already off to a great start, and we thought could be in line for $8 million over the next five years on his next contract. Yeah, it has only been two games, but there seems to be something different about him this season. If Lehkonen can stay healthy and continue to produce, there should be no reason the Avalanche should not want to extend his contract.