Avalanche, Sakic Agree to One-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that Joe Sakic has agreed to terms with the club, keeping the Avalanche captain in Colorado for the 2006-2007 season.

“This organization’s success has been due in large part to Joe Sakic, both as a leader and as a premiere player in this league,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager Francois Giguere. “Keeping him in an Avalanche uniform was definitely a priority. He still possesses the skills and abilities that have made him so successful for so many years. Like in 2001, he had a chance to become an unrestricted free agent, but chose otherwise.”

Sakic will enter his 18th NHL season ranked 11th on the all-time list in points (1489); 15th in assists (915) and 17th in goals (574). Only Steve Yzerman has a longer tenure with the same team (22 seasons) and only five other players in NHL history have tallied more points with one organization than Sakic (Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Ray Bourque and Yzerman). Sakic’s tenure as his team’s captain (13 seasons) is the second-longest in the NHL behind Yzerman. In the 2006 playoffs, he claimed the top spot in the record books for overtime goals scoring the seventh of his career.

In 2005-06, Sakic registered his eighth career and second consecutive 30-goal season, his first back-to-back 30-goal seasons since 1989-90 (39) and 1990-91 (48). His 87 points and 55 assists led the Avalanche in both categories and he finished tied with Marek Svatos for most goals scored. He appeared in all 82 games for the third time in the last five years, and has missed just one game in his last two campaigns. His 34 power play points last season (10g/24a) led the Avalanche.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for a great organization surrounded by good teammates for many years in a great hockey market,” said Sakic. “My family is very much at home here, so it was important for me to remain in Colorado.”

[Disengage]

great move, probably the greatest player in their history, Goulet and Stastny included.

[kwnger1371]

Maybe the best player for col but not of all time.

[Humpzilla]

Great to see that Sakic will be on the Avalanche another year.

Now does this mean Blake will the odd man out? (not surprising, if so)

[Daigle]

For me and think most of the Avs fans he is and always will be the greatest player ever to have played the game of hockey. Just very happy to see Burnaby Joe back next year. Sure hope he can make it till Vancouver 2010 and let that season be his last..

[Daigle]

Originally Posted by Humpzilla

Now does this mean Blake will the odd man out? (not surprising, if so)

Think they can keep Blake too, lil while ago he already said he wanted to stay in Denver.. So if the Cap gives enough room...

[JKidd]

Great to see Joe stay with the Avs. Always like to see a guy stay with one organization through their entire career. Very good price as well for him. Considering what others will ask for and have got...

[Isles4life]

Good move by the Avs, but I couldn't see him signing anywhere else this late in his career after being the face of their franchise for so long.

[forsberg21]

I'm happy as hell they did. But is anyone really all that suprised? As far as Blake, I would expect him back too, his agents are trying to get him back in Colorado, and Blake has said he wants to stay, no worries.

[bengino]

one last hurrah perhaps?