Forsberg Returns to NHL, Signs With Avalanche

DENVER — The Avalanche and Peter Forsberg have agreed on a deal to bring the NHL's 2003 MVP back to Colorado through the end of the season.

Forsberg will earn about $1.1 million prorated from a one-year, $5 million deal, since there are about six weeks left in the regular season. Forsberg won two Stanley Cups in his nine seasons with the Avalanche and won the Hart Trophy in 2003 after scoring 29 goals and adding 77 assists.

But foot and ankle injuries have plagued him in recent years.

Until yesterday's announcement, it appeared Forsberg wouldn't return to an NHL team this season. His agent, Don Baizley, informed teams last week that Forsberg didn't have enough confidence in the strength of his surgically repaired right foot to play. The Avalanche were one of a handful of teams vying for Forsberg's services. Philadelphia, Minnesota, Chicago, and Ottawa were also believed to be in the hunt.

Forsberg spent 1 1/2 seasons with the Flyers, scoring 115 points in 100 games, before being dealt to Nashville at the trade deadline last season.

"We're proud to announce to our fans that Peter Forsberg has decided to come back and play with our franchise where he's enjoyed so much success early in his career," Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said.

"His addition should complement our roster and will bring our team to an even higher competitive level," he said.

Forsberg said he has worked "extremely hard" to arrange his return to Colorado.

"I am looking forward to putting this jersey on again," he said.