Peter Forsberg back in the NHL, Signs with the Colorado Avalanche
Peter Forsberg, back with the Avalanche!
After months of speculation and rumouring Peter Forsberg has officially come back to the NHL and signed with the Colorado Avalanche. A deal which was not being publicly stated has now become open; a pro-rated $1 million contract for the remaining of the
current season has been settled between the team’s management and Forsberg. The 37-year-old is originally a MODO hockey player which is Sweden’s premier hockey league.
Peter has been in the professional hockey business for over 17 years.
That includes him going back and forth between MODO and the NHL. He began his profession in 1989 when he moved to the NHL and debuted with the Quebec Nordiques, which was transferred to Colorado, becoming the Avalanche in 1996. Being most remembered for
his golden times with the Avalanche, he won the Stanley Cup twice with them in 1996 and 2001. Other than that, he is a multiple winner of gold and silver medals in hockey international championships and the winter Olympics.
MODO once again received Forsberg in 2004; in 2005 he returned to the NHL and played for the Philadelphia Flyers until 2006 being traded to the Nashville Predators, then playing his final season with the Avalanche going back to MODO in 2008 until now.
Injuries, injuries, injuries
The 2003 MVP has had to deal with numerous injuries throughout his playing career, mostly foot and ankle related ones. Some say that this is due to his style of performing that causes problems, but has seen gradual improvements recently.
"It's been feeling better and better," said Forsberg who is a fan favourite among the Colorado crowd. "The first couple of practices were tough. Guys were flying around you and I felt like I was 47 instead of 37. It might be the case when I get out playing,
I don't know, but it has been feeling better and better and I came here to try and I want to play hockey. I love playing hockey. I'm not sure I’m going to be good. We’ll see when I get going”, in an interview after practicing for a number of days with the
team now.
Forsberg has termed his contract-signing after the practice which took place on Sunday to evaluate his condition as to whether or not he should continue his comeback and discuss the details with Colorado GM Greg Sherman for a permanent position, if all goes
well.
Not expected to play anytime soon
Peter won’t go with the Avalanche on their road trip to other cities which include going against the Minnesota Wild on Monday; Columbus and Nashville on other days. The reason is that there are still some issues which he must ensure will not be a problem
later on such as his injuries not getting in the way. We hope to see him perform against the Calgary Flames on the 14 February.
A Positive Homecoming
Colorado is certainly excited for his return and so is the team, but most of the anticipation can be seen in Coach Joe Sacco who thinks that it will provide that spark in their game which Colorado has been looking for all season. Examining the health of
the Avalanche, it can be seen that they have only won their 2 Stanley Cups with Forsberg and were unable to after his departure. Sitting in the 12th position of the Western Conference and having lost 5 of their last 6 games, they don’t have very
high hopes.
A soon to be Hall of Famer
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame after his retirement is not a worry for Peter Forsberg; his status is already comparable to players such as Wayne Gretzsky, Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr. Since the beginning of his NHL career, Peter has never been seen
supporting a minus point career but always upholding a huge point and game difference. Players like Peter Forsberg are the reason why we see immense excitement and sheer anticipation in the fans.
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