"Peter Forsberg's answer is yes.

Forsberg, the longtime Avalanche star, has decided to play for the Avs. He signed a contract today and traveled with the team to Phoenix, the Avs confirmed.

Forsberg took part in today's practice with the team, then announced he will play with the team. He is not expected to play tomorrow in Phoenix, however.

Forsberg, 37, said he had his mind made up before the 9 a.m. practice began.

"I'm nervous to see how it goes," Forsberg said before taking the ice. "But I've been feeling much better in practice. I'm going to go see Greg (Sherman, Avalanche general manager) and see if I can get a contract."

That answer was yes, the team confirmed. Details of a contract have yet to be released.

Forsberg said he didn't know how long it would be until he plays his first game, other than to say he didn't believe he would be ready against the Coyotes.

Forsberg last played in the NHL in 2008, for the Avalanche. He signed a pro-rated one-year, $5 million deal with Colorado and played nine regular-season games, with one goal and 13 assists.

He played well in the Avs' first-round playoff upset of Minnesota before suffering a groin injury prior to Game 1 of a second-round series against Detroit. He played in Game 3, re-aggravated the injury and missed the next two-plus seasons."