DENVER—Missing the playoffs has rejuvenated Joe Sakic. The Colorado Avalanche captain is relaxed and ready to go.
He’s eager to show that last season was nothing more than a mirage. Colorado, despite going 15-2-2 over its final 19 games, missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons in Denver.
“It was tough,” Sakic said Tuesday in a conference call. “I’m excited to get going again.”
Especially with his friends coming to town.
Forward Ryan Smyth and defenseman Scott Hannan, who’ve played alongside Sakic on Team Canada, signed deals with the Avalanche on Sunday after talking to Sakic. Hannan signed a four-year, $18 million deal and then, hours later, Smyth agreed to a five-year deal worth $31.25 million.
Yet Sakic doesn’t think his sales pitch persuaded either to come to town.
“It’s not too (hard) to recruit when you’re coming to Colorado,” said Sakic, who signed a one-year deal in April. “I told them about the city and the organization: nothing but first class. When you look at our lineup and see how good our lineup is, it’s an easy sell.”
Sakic, who turns 38 on Saturday, is coming off a season in which he had 36 goals and 64 assists, becoming the second-oldest player in NHL history to collect 100 points.
Smyth is convinced Sakic could play another 10 years. He’s looking forward to playing on the same line.
“He’s just well respected,” said Smyth, who had 36 goals and 32 assists for the Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders last season.
What does Smyth bring to the Avalanche? That’s easy, Sakic said: “Grit.”
“Something that we needed. He’s a presence. A guy teams are going to pay attention to.”
As for Hannan, Sakic is glad about one thing—he doesn’t have to go up against him anymore. Hannan, who spent eight seasons in San Jose, is a clone of former Avalanche Adam Foote.
“To get near (the net) you’re going to have to pay the price,” Sakic said.
Two phone calls, two solid acquisitions. Not a bad day’s work for Sakic.
“A lot of teams were going for both of those guys,” he said. “We’re lucky they chose Colorado. We love our team.”
When the regular season ended, Sakic said he didn’t plan on watching the postseason. It would be too painful. He couldn’t help but sneak a peek, though.
“I watched bits and pieces, especially near the end,” Sakic said. “I wanted to see (former teammate) Teemu (Selanne) win the Cup.”
And that stoked the fire anew.
“I love our chances next year to compete for the Cup,” Sakic said.
