Ryan O'Reilly back with Avalanche on Sunday By QMI Agency

Avs centre Ryan O'Reilly will make his season debut on Sunday against the Blue Jackets in Columbus. (Jim Wells/QMI Agency/Files)

Ryan O'Reilly knows he has to make it up to his fans following a prolonged contract dispute with the Colorado Avalanche.

"It's a business, and you've got to get as much as you can when you can," O'Reilly told the Denver Post.

The Avalanche matched a two-year, $10 million offer sheet from the Calgary Flames late Thursday night. The deal will pay him a prorated $1 million salary this season along with a $2.5 million signing bonus and a $6.5 million salary next season.

The 22-year-old centre will make his season debut on Sunday against the Blue Jackets in Columbus after practising for the first time with his team on Saturday.

"I thought he looked pretty good," said head coach Joe Sacco. "I'm sure there will be a growth period as far as getting back up to speed against NHL players, but he looks fit and he'll be fine."

Meanwhile, the Post reported goaltender J.S. Giguere left the team for the funeral of his mother in Montreal.