Joe Sakic has officially retired from the NHL after 20 seasons and two Stanley Cup wins.  I think it’s not a bad way to end a career, if you ask me.  The 40-year-old longtime Colorado Avalanche captain has really struggled recently and I was beginning to wonder if he would listen to the signs that it might be time to hang up his skates.

Seriously, as much as I love and respect Sakic, I began to worry about his safety.  He seemed riddled by ridiculous injuries last year (an infected tooth, herniated disc and a snow blower accident that crushed three fingers) and I really believe that it’s better to go out on a high note than to gradually fade away from the game.   He leaves behind a great legacy as a class act and has earned a spot among the NHL’s career scoring leaders. He’s eighth in points (1,641), 11th in assists (1,016) and 14th in goals (625). 

I’m sure his presence on the ice and among the fans will be immediately felt since he’s been with the team since 1995.  They will retire his No. 19 jersey during the upcoming season-opener.  His sweater will join those of Patrick Roy (33) and Ray Bourque (77).

"After having the privilege of playing for 20 years, I’m leaving the game of hockey with nothing but great memories and a sense of accomplishment," Sakic said. "The game has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and for that I am truly grateful."

I’m also grateful for what he has contributed to this sport that I love so much. 

Ryan Smyth was traded to the Colorado Avalanche just two years ago by the Edmonton Oilers but the star player is moving again.  The Los Angeles Kings have acquired Smyth and sent the Avs defenceman Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing and a fifth-round pick in exchange.  There were three years remaining on Smyth’s $31.25 million, 5-year deal with Colorado.

The Kings have really been struggling lately but at least the weather in LA is better than Denver, right?  fortunately, he seems pretty happy about the move: "They have great young players.  I’ve always thought the world of (Anze) Kopitar since playing against him at the World Championships in Austria where he dominated. To play with him and Drew Doughty and (Dustin) Brown…these are great young players and I’m excited about that."

The Avalanche have also had it rough since many players, including Smyth, have been plagued with injuries (Joe Sakic almost seemed like someone had put a hex on him).  Still, he might not have had a stellar year but it was decent.  Smyth finished last season with 26 goals and 33 assists in 77 games.

The erstwhile “Captain Canada” has also been invited to the orientation camp for the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

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The Colorado Avalanche haven’t picked this high since 1991 when they chose Eric Lindros and, today, they chose Matt Duchene third overall.  Duchene was great with Brampton this year and I think that he will fit in well with the Avs.  He’s a good goal scorer and is a nice well-rounded player.

In his post draft interview, he talked about how much he loves the Avalanche (he has autographed jerseys from Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic) and they showed a picture of him in his room with all of his fan gear.  It doesn’t always happen so it’s pretty cool when a new player gets picked by a team he loves. 

Legendary goaltender (and Hall of Famer), Patrick Roy, has turned down the offer to become the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.  He explained that he had to make the decision based on what he felt was best for his family.  "All I can say is that the Avalanche’s offer was more than interesting," Roy said.  "My quality of life here in Quebec City is extraordinary. I adore this adventure, I adore working with youth. For me it’s a daily challenge — working to help these youths realize their dreams."

Currently, Roy has his hands full as the co-owner, general manager and coach of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts.  His son Frederic plays for the team but, like his older brother Jonathan, is considering giving up hockey.

I won’t lie, I’m very happy that he did not take the job.  I’m happy to keep my good memories of Roy (and, as a native Montrealer, some conflicted memories too) preserved and intact.  I wonder if, somewhere, Wayne Gretzky is wishing he’s done what Roy did.

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The Colorado Avalanche will be without their lead scorer, Ryan Smyth, again.  This time, he has fractured his right hand and will be out of the lineup for the rest of the season.  He got injured during the 3-0 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday night.

image: TSN.ca

It hasn’t been the best season for the Avalanche.  Smyth, along with Paul Stastny and Joe Sakic, has missed a lot of ice time and I think that is what has led to the club having their worst year since the 1995 move from Quebec (when they were the Nordiques).  It’s a little sad when you think about it but they are actually going to finish below .500 this year.  It’s hard to imagine.  As a kid growing up in Montreal, the Nordiques were a big deal but when they had such amazing success in Denver, it felt like the club was untouchable.  Hopefully, they will have a better time next year.

As if the Colorado Avalanche aren’t struggling enough, they’ve announced that Paul Stastny will be out of the lineup for at least 2-4 weeks after a CT Scan earlier this week revealed a fracture in his foot.

The All-Star player was injured on March 17, 2009 during a game against the Minnesota Wild when he tright to block a shot.  The Avs went on to lose the game. 

This isn’t the first time this year that the 23-year-old star has been benched with an injury.  He missed a whopping 26 games earlier this season after breaking his arm. 

In 45 games this season, the son of Hall of Famer Peter Stastny has 11 goals and 25 assists.  Unfortunately, there is basically no chance that the Avs will make the playoffs.

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Defenceman, Jordan Leopold, was traded from the Colorado Avalanche back to the Calgary Flames in exchange for fellow d-man, Lawrence Nycholot and a second-round draft pick. Leo played with the Flames from 2002-2006 and I’m happy to see him return.  The Flames need a little more defensive depth.  The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract and will be making $1.5 million.  In 333 career NHL games, Leopold has 28 goals, 77 assists and a minus- 10 rating with 156 penalty minutes.

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After missing the last 26 games, Paul Stastny will finally get to rejoin the Colorado Avalanche.  The forward fractured his right forearm during a 5-4 OT victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on December 23, 2008 and required surgery to repair the damage. 

He’s set to make his return tonight against the Atlanta Thrashers.  Before getting hurt, he had posted 10 goals and 21 assists in 34 games.

After a very rough season, Joe Sakic might be almost ready to return to his team.  The Colorado Avalanche have been without their captain a lot this season and, I have to admit, that I’ve even thought it might be time for the old guy to retire.  I mean, the man has had back surgery, a tooth infection and crushed three fingers in a weird snow blower accident. 

"We’re still optimistic and hopeful that he’ll be able to return at some point this year," coach Tony Granato said Tuesday.  "He’s been around a lot, he’s upbeat and still gung-ho about giving it a run to get back."

The 39-year-old centre has two goals and 10 assists in 15 games.

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Not to get all mystic on you guys but I believe in signs and I do believe that they are pointing to Joe Sakic’s retirement.  The veteran was going to end his amazing career after missing 38 games following hernia surgery last season but then decided to return to the game just before the start of training camp.  Seriously, it almost seems like fate has been out to prove that decision wrong all year.

The 39-year-old Colorado Avalanche star has almost seen it all.  Let’s look at his year so far, shall we?

• Strained back in weight room.  Missed game against Minnesota Wild on November 6, 2008.
• Returned to lineup after just two games, played the Nashville Predators and was sidelined for another five games because his back was still bad.
• His tooth got infected (you can’t even make this stuff up!) so he had to sit out of a game against the Anaheim Ducks on November 24, 2008.
• Returned to the lineup on November 26, 2008 but was hurt two days later in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes.
• Broke three fingers in a snow blower accident last month.

Now he’s had “successful” back surgery but does that mean he’s fit to play?  I honestly would hang up my skates, if I were him.  I know it’s his 20th season and all but I think it’s a more important to show guys that, after all this time in the league, he’s learned the most valuable lesson of all - to be smart and take care of yourself.  This is turning into a nightmare.  I love the guy but I think he should retire.

image: TSN