Tom Preissing will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after having a scope done on his right knee.  Basically, this means that the 30-year-old will miss the season debut with his new team but I don’t think it’s going to be a major issue for the team anyway.
Preissing was dealt, along with fellow defenceman, Kyle Quincey, to the Colorado Avalanche in an agreement that allowed Ryan Smyth to join the Los Angeles Kings in the off-season.
Last season with the Kings, Preissing registered three goals and four assists in 22 games.
image: TSN

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 …read more

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 …read more

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 …read more

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 …read more

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.
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 …read more

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 …read more

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.

image: TSN

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 …read more