DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent center Tyler Arnason to a one-year contract.

A 5-11, 204-pound native of Oklahoma City, OK, Arnason, 27, spent his last four NHL seasons in the Chicago Blackhawks organization where he earned All-Rookie honors during the 2002-03 season. Arnason was dealt to the Ottawa Senators at the trading deadline this past season after registering 41 points in 60 games.

"Tyler is a skilled player whose best years we feel are still ahead of him," said Avalanche General Manager Francois Giguere. "He's a talented skater who has demonstrated offensive abilities that we believe will continue to develop as he heads into the prime years of his career."

Born in Okalahoma City, OK, Arnason was raised in Winnipeg, MB and is the son of former NHLer Chuck Arnason who played eight NHL seasons.