Aug 27, 2008 - 3:37 PM
DENVER (Ticker) -- Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic will return for a 20th season.
Deciding against retirement, Sakic signed a one-year contract with Colorado on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old played in a career-low 44 games last season after undergoing hernia surgery in December.
Sakic registered 13 goals and 27 assists and had two tallies and eight assists in the postseason as Colorado reaced the Western Conference semifinals this past campagin.
After the Avalanche were eliminated by the Detroit Red Wings, the 12-time All-Star's future was up in the air before Wednesday.
"Ultimately it came down to the fact that I still enjoy playing and competing," Sakic said. "I'm comfortable with my conditioning and my overall health. I'm ready for the start of camp and am looking forward to the upcoming season."
A 1987 first-round pick of the Quebec Nordiques, Sakic moved with the franchise in 1996 and has been the captain for 15 seasons. He ranks eighth on the NHL all-time list for points (1,629), 11th in assists (1,006) and 14th in goals (623).
Colorado has won two Stanley Cups with Sakic as captain.