Sakic not ready to give Avs decision
By Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 21, 2008 at 12:44 p.m.
Photo by Associated Press
Joe Sakic, who will turn 39 on July 7, is contemplating whether to return for a 20th NHL season, all with the Nordiques/Avalanche franchise.
Avalanche captain Joe Sakic has told general manager Francois Giguere that he still isn’t ready to make a decision regarding his playing future.
“Francois told him to take the time that he needs to take,” team vice president Jean Martineau said Saturday from Ottawa, Ontario, site of the NHL entry draft.
“Don’t expect a decision soon or in the coming days. We told him that we would wait for when he would be ready to let us know.”
Sakic, who turns 39 next month, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 but will either re-sign with the Avalanche or retire.
Sakic finished fifth on the Avalanche in scoring in 2007-08 despite missing 38 games to recover from a groin injury and surgery for a hernia. He had 13 goals and 27 assists in 44 games, then led the Avalanche in playoff scoring with 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 10 games.
Giguere wasn’t available for comment Saturday but previously said he would like to know Sakic’s intentions before July 1, when the NHL’s free agent period begins.
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June 21, 2008
5:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
nmbronco1 writes:
Joe Sakic is one of the all-time hockey greats and still has a very good game. I for one would love to see him return and hope that he does for at least one more year. His efficient style and quiet leadership-by-example will surely be missed by all Colorado Avalanche fans but we all know he has NHL Hall of Fame written all over his career.
June 21, 2008
7:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
BonBon writes:
I hope that FG gives Joe all the time in the world to make his decision. Don't push him to give a decision by next week, just keep cap space available. Maybe as the summer goes along, Joe will get that passion to play hockey for another year. I'm afraid that Joe has lost some passion or he would have made the decision to come back already. Please don't rush him FG!