Avalanche Trade Rumors

"So who could be on the list of possible Avalanche coaching candidates? Pat Burns, a three-time Jack Adams winner as NHL coach of the year, wants to get back into coaching after his successful battle with cancer and might be an aspirant for the job... Others who could be possible candidates are Joe Sacco, coach of the Avalanche's Lake Erie American Hockey League affiliate; Kevin Dineen, coach of the AHL's Portland Pirates; Avalanche assistant coach and former head coach Tony Granato; and former Colorado goalie Patrick Roy."

"Quenneville will remain under contract with the Avs until June 30, but Giguere said he would grant permission to any team that might want to hire him. One team that is expected to have interest is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who fired coach Paul Maurice Wednesday and whose interim general manager, Cliff Fletcher, gave Quenneville his first coaching job in the Toronto organization."

"Could former Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy succeed Joel Quenneville as the Avs' next head coach? With the Avs, anything is possible. Roy today told the French-Canadian television network RDS that he was surprised the Avs suddenly had a coaching vacancy, and reacted to speculation he could return to Colorado to begin an NHL coaching career. Roy, who retired in 2003 with the Avs, has coached the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League since then. Speculation has begun that he might be ready to return to the NHL with the Avs behind the bench."

"Intrigue continues to swirl around the Avalanche's head coaching situation. Joel Quenneville's contract with the Avalanche runs out June 30 and general manager Francois Giguere has yet to give him an extension or disavow speculation he might be thinking of a change. Meanwhile, the coaching job with the Toronto Maple Leafs became vacant Wednesday. That is the team Quenneville grew up idolizing in Windsor, Ontario. It was the first team he played for in the NHL and the organization he got his coaching start with in 1991. The man who hired Quenneville as an assistant with the St. John's Maple Leafs, is current Toronto general manager Cliff Fletcher...Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said he won't discuss specifics regarding Quenneville's status."

"With his team broomed from the NHL playoffs, his contract with the Avalanche rapidly approaching its expiration date and no firm commitment from his boss, coach Joel Quenneville is sitting here in limbo. Is Coach Q done in Denver? Although Quenneville remains employed with the Avs through the end of June, general manager Francois Giguere steadfastly refuses to make a commitment on the team's coach for next season, with a coyness that keeps everybody guessing. "

"Who is Fabian Brunnstrom and why are so many NHL teams - including the Canadiens - interested in him? Brunnstrom is back home in Sweden trying to decide where he would like to play after a whirlwind North American tour. He spent two days in Montreal, visited Detroit and Denver, and talked to people in Dallas and Toronto. He has been hailed as the best hockey player not under contract to an NHL team and has attracted a lot of attention as a 23-year-old free agent. Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said yesterday he felt Brunnstrom has the talent to play in the NHL, but a quick look at the Swede's résumé suggests this guy poses more questions than Alex Trebek."

"When Peter Forsberg did his about-face and decided to play this season in Colorado instead of Philadelphia, the reporters who cover the Flyers breathed a sigh of relief. The Peter Forsberg who played for the Flyers was not the Forsberg we all would like to remember from the past. He was damaged goods. That's not to say he wasn't a joy to watch on the ice. He was. Many of us often wondered what it would have been like to have covered him in his prime. His skill level was remarkable. The problem was that he was out of the Flyers' lineup injured more often than he was in it...That is what happened in Philadelphia and is what happened when he returned to Colorado late this season. Forsberg's health - not his skill - was the story."

"Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere saw his team's season end Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings, one week after the playoff series began. Giguere, in his second year at the helm, has a busy summer ahead, with 13 potential unrestricted free agents and a coach, Joel Quenneville, who has no contract for next season. On Friday, Giguere took some time out with Post hockey reporter Adrian Dater to discuss the season and what lies ahead. Q: What can you tell us about the status of Joel Quenneville's job going forward? A: Well, I won't discuss anything specific about the coaching position or player personnel moves right now."

"On the eve of his squad's final, lopsided loss to Detroit in the playoffs, Quenneville was happy to chat about everything from weird injuries suffered by his players to a dance recital for a family member. As soon as the conversation turned to his expiring contract with the Avs, however, Quenneville abruptly clammed up. Given every opportunity to say he definitely wanted to return to the Colorado bench next season, the coach politely but firmly refused. "I don't want to talk about it," Quenneville said Wednesday, as we walked behind the glass at the team's practice rink. The silence that followed was awkward. "

"Should Joe stay? Or should he go?... Whatever the reason, as Sakic insisted he has made no decision about playing again for the Avs, saying "That's something that will be decided this summer," for the first time maybe there is a hint of genuine ambivalence in his desire to keep lacing 'em up. "

"There's been speculation around Denver that Joe Sakic could be retiring. Sakic, 38, had two assists in the four games against the Wings and wasn't much of a factor. "I'm going to take my time, think about it over the summer," Sakic said. "It's something, obviously, I need to make a decision on. I'll discuss it with my family and see where we go." "

"Peter Forsberg did not retire Thursday night. But unless the Avalanche star can figure out what keeps ailing his 34-year-old body, he hinted after the Avs' season ended that his brilliant but injury-plagued career will be over."

"Sources tell TSN Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom is in Dallas and attended Game 3 of the Stars - San Jose Sharks Conference Semifinals with the Stars showing great interest in signing him. Brunnstrom is on a mini-North American tour, checking out the cities he is considering as potential sites to begin his NHL career. He is expected to be in Denver on Thursday for Game 4 between the Avalanche and Red Wings."

"It wouldn't be surprising if the Wild try to sign Colorado defenseman Kurt Sauer, who can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end."

"Could this be it? Could this be Joe Sakic's last postseason before retirement? Could this playoff run — however long it lasts — be the last Avalanche fans see of him in a Colorado uniform before he stands at a podium, likely wipes away a tear or two, and says it was fun while it lasted? "

"The answer continues to be: Let's wait and see. The question: Will Jose Theodore re-sign with the Avalanche? What isn't in question is that Theodore has had an excellent season for the Avs. If the NHL had a comeback player of the year award, the veteran goalie probably would win it. "

"The answer continues to be: Let's wait and see. The question: Will Jose Theodore re-sign with the Avalanche? What isn't in question is that Theodore has had an excellent season for the Avs. If the NHL had a comeback player of the year award, the veteran goalie would probably win it. "

"The offense would be boosted by a defenseman who can play quarterback on the power play and Sharks free agent Brian Campbell fits the bill perfectly. The veteran scored eight goals and added 54 assists splitting time with the Sabres and Sharks but is rumored to want up to $8 million per season. The Hawks are well below the salary cap. Other defensemen the Hawks could be interested in are Ottawa's Wade Redden and Colorado's John-Michael Liles."

"In his first three seasons coaching the Avalanche, Joel Quenneville got the team to the playoffs twice and missed a third by one point. Is that enough to warrant a contract extension?"

"Martin said he discussed acquiring star defenseman Brian Campbell from Buffalo with Sabres GM Darcy Regier at the trade deadline. Campbell, who was traded to San Jose instead, still can become an unrestricted free agent if unsigned by July 1... Colorado defenseman John-Michael Liles, who had six goals and 26 assists this season, also could become an unrestricted free agent."

" Kings D Rob Blake could be dealt to the Avs, although he has refused to waive his no-trade clause ... There has been talk in NHL circles that the Senators may again ask D Wade Redden if he's interested in moving. Listening to Murray lately, that seems highly doubtful. Redden killed a deal to the Sharks for D Matt Carle and a draft pick earlier this month ... The Sabres have to make a decision on D Brian Campbell, who's also set to become an unrestricted free agent. "

"Contract situations complicate matters, of course, with winger Marian Hossa continuing to sound like a guy determined to get out of Atlanta either now or in the summer; and Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell seemingly determined to at least check into the free-agent market in the summer — after seeing what it did for former teammates Chris Drury and Daniel Briere last year. He and agent Larry Kelly again turned down a Sabres offer in the past week."

"Marian Hossa. Brad Richards. Olli Jokinen. Alex Tanguay. Mats Sundin. Five forwards with spectacular star power, and all are being shopped. Rumors are running rampant, but it'll be interesting to see which players are moved by Tuesday's trade deadline."

"Buffalo's Brian Campbell and Colorado's John-Michael Liles, who would fill the Devils' need for a power-play point man, are available, as is Thrashers right wing Marian Hossa. Getting Toronto's Mats Sundin to waive his no-trade to come to New Jersey is a long shot, but a deal for Bryan McCabe or Pavel Kubina, who also would have to waive no-trades, might be doable."

"Tick. Tick. Tick. As the NHL regular season dwindles to its final 24 games, the Avalanche better not blow it. Is time running out on Colorado coach Joel Quenneville? His contract with the team expires this year. "

"Don Meehan, the agent for Avs goalie Jose Theodore, said, despite Theodore's recent stellar play, he has not engaged in any talks this season toward a contract extension for his client... The Avs still have heard nothing from Peter Forsberg or his agent, Don Baizley, regarding a decision about a possible return."

"The Devils are believed trying to upgrade their team both on defense and at center. Brad Richards, Olli Jokinen, Ladislav Nagy, Robert Lang and Martin Havlat are names mentioned by inside figures up front, with Dan Boyle, Brian Campbell, Rob Blake, Joni Pitkanen and John-Michael Liles among the possibilities on defense."

"One thing remains true about the player nicknamed "Foppa": He is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Forsberg, 34, is considering a return to the NHL, but his ankle discomfort might scuttle his career for good. Forsberg has tried on more footwear than Imelda Marcos in attempting to get a comfortable fit while skating. According to the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Forsberg changed skates several times on Monday during a workout with Modo."

"In the NHL's version of "Survivor" — teams bidding for Peter Forsberg — the Avalanche is one of the few still to have a flaming Tiki torch. Forsberg has crossed off some teams from his list of possible NHL destinations. The Avalanche wasn't one of them, and remains a potential destination. "

"The Flyers may be the favorites, but the Avs remain in the hunt for Peter Forsberg, and the list of their competitors keeps shrinking. Like game-show hosts, Forsberg and his agent, Don Baizley, have been eliminating contestants for the past week. The good news for the Avs is they haven't gotten a call."

" Reports from across the league are trickling in. Peter Forsberg has apparently said thanks but no thanks to Dallas, Nashville, Detroit, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Calgary. Unofficially, that would leave Philadelphia , Colorado, Anaheim, Vancouver, Chicago and Ottawa still in the running for the Swedish star's services. "

"Denver has played host to two Stanley Cup Finals and an NHL All-Star Game, and it would receive serious consideration as a venue for the next outdoor hockey game once league officials select a location and date. But there will be plenty of competition, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday at the Pepsi Center before attending the Avalanche's game against the Phoenix Coyotes."

"Before he watched the Avalanche-Phoenix game Monday night at the Pepsi Center, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that Kroenke Sports has expressed interest in playing host to an outdoor regular-season game. Bettman emphasized, however, that other franchises and cities have tossed out the possibility, and that many hurdles would have to be cleared before the league schedules a reprise of the Jan. 1 Winter Classic"

"Captain Joe Sakic could be the team's closer in its pursuit of Peter Forsberg. As he did in luring free agents Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan, Sakic could help Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere with a recruiting call. Giguere said he has no problem in enlisting his team's captain for such endeavors. "

"The answer is yes — the Avalanche is very interested in Peter Forsberg, and plans to make him an offer. But the Avs — like any other NHL team with interest — are waiting to hear when or if their former star center is ready to play again."

"Should the Avs try to get in the bidding for Toronto's Mats Sundin, Atlanta's Marian Hossa or Buffalo's Brian Campbell, or any of the other pending unrestricted free agents?"

"Peter Forsberg has decided not to play for his hometown team Modo this season, instead setting his sights on a return to the NHL. Forsberg made the announcement to Modo hours before the deadline for transfers in the Swedish hockey league. "My goal is to go back to the NHL," Forsberg told Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet. "

"John-Michael Liles is aware he is being mentioned in trade rumors, and the Avalanche defenseman expects the speculation to continue right up until the NHL's Feb. 26 trading deadline... Coincidentally, the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Pepsi Center tonight, and they are one of the teams believed to be interested in Liles, 27, who is in the final year of his contract and would be eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1."

"The 2007-08 Avalanche might turn out to have had a representative in Sunday's NHL All-Star Game, after all. His identity? TBA. The most likely possibility on the all-star rosters is Atlanta winger Marian Hossa, who is making $6 million this season and could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. "

" Ideally, Wilson would like to bring in Los Angeles Kings defenceman Rob Blake, who might be willing to waive his no-movement clause to be dealt to a contender. But word is Los Angeles GM Dean Lombardi is demanding a player, a prospect and No. 1 draft pick if he's going to move Blake. It's believed the Rangers, Avs, Wings and Senators have all made inquiries about Blake's availability."

"The Hurricanes continue to be looking over Avs defender John-Michael Liles, an unrestricted free agent after this season. Carolina has made no secret of its desire for a puck-carrying, offensive defenseman. Liles, however, is suffering through the worst season of his young career, with two goals and 18 points in 48 games coming in. Scouts from the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Washington Capitals also were in attendance. "

"Neither the Avalanche nor the Nashville Predators play the New York Rangers or Toronto Maple Leafs the rest of this season. So, why were scouts from the two latter teams at the Pepsi Center on Tuesday night? Gentlemen, start the engine to the rumor mill."

"The Mile High Icextravaganza & Winter Festival ought to become a reality for New Year's Eve, 2008 or '09. Denver could set the record for the biggest hockey crowd in the world and establish a terrific annual holiday event. "It's an intriguing possibility," says Jon Schmieder, executive director of the Metro Denver Sports Commission...There is serious hockey interest here."

"Five weeks remain to complete the construction of a contender. Don't be surprised if Lou Lamoriello joins the Kings' auction of Rob Blake or perhaps grabs Brad Stuart to bolster his backline and power play... Another name advanced as a potential Devil target is John-Michael Liles, but Colorado is expected to be a buyer, not a seller. Other teams likely to be sellers are Phoenix, where Ed Jovanovski has two more seasons on his $6 million deal, and Edmonton, where pickings are slim."

"Peter Forsberg practised with his hometown team Monday in what was seen as a possible sign of a comeback. The 34-year-old Forsberg has been sidelined with a foot and ankle injury since finishing last season with the Nashville Predators. But Sweden coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson said last week that the forward may try to play in the LG Hockey Games in Stockholm between Feb. 7-10. "

"Peter Forsberg is still hoping for a return to the ice, and might make a second comeback attempt with the Swedish national team next month. Forsberg has been sidelined with a foot and ankle injury since finishing last season with the Nashville Predators, but Sweden coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson said Tuesday the former NHL MVP might try to play in the LG Hockey Games in Sweden from Feb. 7-10. "

"According to a report in the Raleigh News and Observer, the Carolina Hurricanes have Avs defenseman John-Michael Liles at the top of their wish list for possible trade-deadline defensive help. The Avs play the Hurricanes Saturday. Liles can be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and the Avs have some offensive defensemen in the pipeline, including Kyle Cumiskey and last year's first-round draft pick, Kevin Shattenkirk. "

"I hear Tampa Bay is in the market for a goaltender. What do you think the chances are - with Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth out eight weeks, at least - the Avs might be able to trade Jose Theodore for Vincent Lecavalier? -- Marc, Chicago Marc - I would say the chances of this trade happening are the same as me being appointed head of the MIT physics department next year."

"Now that he's attempting a comeback to the NHL, the question to Darren McCarty on Tuesday night was: If the Avalanche was the only team that came calling, would he play for his former archenemy? "Hey, beggars can't be choosers," said McCarty, on hand for the Avs game with the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. "I've learned never to say never. It's something I would definitely consider, for sure." "

"He doesn't have clearance to resume skating following a November setback with his foot injury, but Peter Forsberg is cautiously optimistic he may play in the NHL this season. The unrestricted free agent wants to play for a Stanley Cup contender and has a fondness for Colorado, Philadelphia and Nashville. But they're not contenders. The airwaves are ripe with speculation that Forsberg could wind up a Canuck."