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Theodore wants to stay with Avs

Goalie's agent hopeful of deal

By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published May 28, 2008 at 9:54 p.m.

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Jose Theodore, who was 28-21-3 last season, is hopeful he'll be in an Avalanche uniform next season.

Jose Theodore, who was 28-21-3 last season, is hopeful he'll be in an Avalanche uniform next season.

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Jose Theodore wants to continue his career resurgence in Colorado, and it appears the feeling is mutual.

Theodore's agent said Wednesday he expects to talk with Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere soon about a new contract for the 31-year- old goalie, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

"We're looking forward to seeing Francois and having discussions with him," agent Don Meehan said. "Jose's priority would be to be back in Denver. We've expressed that to Francois, and they've indicated they would like to have him back."

After 13 mediocre months after his trade from Montreal to Colorado, Theodore enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2007-08, taking over as the team's No. 1 goalie and going 28-21-3 with a 2.44 goals- against average.

He was stellar in the first round of the playoffs, allowing only 12 goals on 200 shots against the Minnesota Wild before being pulled in three of four games against the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference semifinals.

Though Theodore and the Avalanche are eager to work out a deal, it might not be that easy. Theodore just completed a three-year, $16 million contract and could test the open market to gauge his value in what could be the final long- term contract of his career.

Before focusing on Theodore, Giguere still wants to find out whether captain Joe Sakic and forward Peter Forsberg will return for another season or retire.

They are three of the 13 unrestricted free agents on the Avalanche roster.

Comments

  • May 29, 2008

    2:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    flybys writes:

    Jose Theodore's biggest sin is and will always be that he is not St. Patrick (Roy).

    What Theodore is for Colorado is a capable NHL goalie that can be successful with a solid team in front of him. What he isn't is the equivalent of an NFL shutdown corner or dynamic, play making or play snuffing safety.

    What the Avalanche doesn't need these days is another question mark before the start of next season. So if Jose T. wants to stay Rocky Mountain high, then the Avs front office should oblige.

  • May 29, 2008

    7:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BWilliams writes:

    I'm sure that the Avs front office thinks that because they traded for him before and paid him millions, he must be good. And they'll make a serious run at him again.

    My only hope now is that they don't offer Theo any more than $3 million a year for 2 years.

  • May 29, 2008

    8:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    mrfxx writes:

    Theodore's biggest fault is that he is less consistent than Budaj. When he is good he is very good - but how many 2+ goal lead games did he let slip away, invariably looking absolutely LOST in goal?

  • May 29, 2008

    11:26 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cowboy63 writes:

    I would bring him back, but not at the price he and his agent want.

    He has good stretches, but he's just too inconsistent to warrant top-dollar.

    Sakic, Forsberg, then Theodore.

  • May 29, 2008

    1:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Andy writes:

    I think I'd bring him back if the price is right (meaning a reasonable starting goaltender's salary). He's solid in net, and the way he fought through what might have been a career ending slump (and some poor treatment by the fans), while maintaining an excellent attitude all along, speaks to him being a veteran the young Avs can look to for leadership. Emotional strength is rare is a goalie.

  • May 29, 2008

    1:39 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ThomasAVS writes:

    he'd have to take a considerable paycut, but i would have him back. aside from huet (who is going to be re-signed anyway) he is the best goaltender in the free agent market

  • May 29, 2008

    1:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    SE7EN writes:

    Who cares...Tony Granato is the coach again. We could have Patrick Roy in his prime and Granato will still find a way to coach this team into the ground.

  • May 29, 2008

    2:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    benn writes:

    3M is way to much for Jose.... give him 1.5M max. Guy plays well for 3 months and we're expected to forget the other 24.

  • May 29, 2008

    10:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jacka writes:

    hes a siv

  • June 1, 2008

    7:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    mmmark217 writes:

    Well, it's unfortunate, but the Av's do need a goalie. Budaj is good and I think a little better than Jose three or four, but he's still not ready to be a starting goalie. And Jose, while he shows flashes of brilliance, I think he's too small to be a great goalie. And if Sakic retires, this team is in a world of hurt. I've been watching the Av's since they came to denver, and as much as I hate to say it, they have a long way to go to compete with the likes of the hated Red Wings.

  • June 2, 2008

    2:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    dietpepsi writes:

    give 'ol joesive threeorfour how many millions?? git on outta here!! we need a CONSISTANT goalie, not a weak link in the crease. a few excellent games don't add up when he basically CAN NOT be counted on day in night out.

    AND: did anybody else get all confused whilst watching the finals in detroit? it looked so much like the [diet] pepsi center what with all the redwingz fans and all...

    shame shame on the [weak] avz fans for NOT showing thier colors vs. detroit... on national TV nun tha less!!