The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward Sampo Ranta to a three-year, entry-level contract. He will report to the American Hockey League's Colorado Eagles. Ranta, 20, completed his junior season at the University of Minnesota, finishing with a career-best 31 points in 31 games while also establishing career highs in goals (19) and assists (12). His 19 tallies ranked second in the nation while he led the Gophers in goals, points and finished second in power-play goals (3). Ranta's +19 rating and four game-winning markers were both tied for second on the team. The Naantali, Finland, native was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and was a Big Ten All-Tournament Team Selection and finished with 67 points (37g/30a) and a +27 rating in 102 career NCAA games with Minnesota.