(Sports Network) - Joe Sakic has decided to play at least one more season and on Wednesday re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche. Sakic had been deliberating about whether to return for a 20th NHL season. He has inked a one-year deal, financial terms of which weren't disclosed.

"Ultimately it came down to the fact that I still enjoy playing and competing," said Sakic in a release by the club. "I'm comfortable with my conditioning and my overall health. I'm ready for the start of camp and am looking forward to the upcoming season."

Sakic played in just 44 games last season because of groin problems and subsequent hernia surgery. He posted career lows with 13 goals and 40 points.

The 39-year-old native of British Columbia has spent his entire career with the Colorado franchise. He was selected with the 15th overall pick of the 1987 draft by the Quebec Nordiques and made his NHL debut in 1988.

The Nordiques moved to Denver for the start of the 1995-96 season and, as the Avalanche, the franchise won the first of its two Stanley Cup titles. The other came in the spring of 2001.

In 1,363 NHL regular-season games, Sakic has compiled 623 goals and 1,006 assists for 1,629 points. He ranks eighth all-time on the NHL list in points, 11th in assists and 14th in goals.

"Our entire organization is very excited to have Joe back for another season," said Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere. "As the only captain of the Avalanche, his record of achievement speaks for itself. Having him return is great for our franchise and community, but also for the game of hockey."

In 172 playoff games, Sakic has 84 goals and 104 assists for 188 points. He was the Conn Smythe winner as playoff MVP in 1996.

Sakic also won the Hart Trophy as regular season MVP in 2001, earned First- Team All-Star status three times and was selected to 11 NHL All-Star Games.



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