The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that it has signed first-round draft choice Matt Duchene to a three-year, entry-level contract. ?Matt is an integral part of our future,? said Avalanche General Manager Greg Sherman. ?He is a very skilled, two-way player with a strong work ethic and great character. We?re excited to have him under contract and look forward to him participating in training camp this fall.? Duchene, the third overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, is the highest draft pick for the Avalanche since the team moved to Colorado in 1995.