"While he has yet to make it official, signs are pointing to the conclusion that longtime Avalanche defenseman and captain Adam Foote will retire at the end of this season.

Foote has signed on to become the coach of the Colorado Thunderbirds' under-13 team for the 2011-12 season, according to the team's website. Continuing an NHL career and coaching the Thunderbirds youth team at the same time would be virtually impossible.

Foote, 40, played in Wednesday night's Avalanche game against the Vancouver Canucks and could not be reached for comment. He is playing out a one-year contract and has said recently he had not decided on his plans for next season."