The hockey career of former Avalanche star Peter Forsberg could be over.
Forsberg will not play for the Swedish national team, as originally planned, in this weekend’s Karjala Cup — a four-team European hockey tournament.
“I have never been this close to quitting,” Forsberg told Swedish television tonight.
Forsberg has suffered a setback with the ankle problems that have plagued his career the last few years.
Forsberg’s agent, Don Baizley, said that Forsberg has withdrawn from the tournament because of the foot problem.
“Peter’s always said that he wouldn’t come back to pro hockey unless the foot feels good,” Baizley said. “Right now, I don’t know much more beyond his current condition, but he will not play this weekend.”
Forsberg, 34, is an unrestricted free agent and many teams – including the Avalanche – had planned to scout him during the tournament.
Forsberg had been practicing with Modo of the Swedish Elite League and had said his foot was feeling good. But as had happened in the past, problems recurred.
Forsberg thought his ankles felt good enough to start training camp with the Avs prior to the 2001-02 season, but took a leave of absence from the team shortly into camp and needed surgery.
