The Colorado Avalanche locked up one of the most prolific scorers in franchise history for at least one more season on Tuesday when Milan Hejduk inked a one-year deal with the club through the 2011-12 season.
"My family and I are very excited to continue my career here in Denver," Hejduk said. "I believe in this organization and our young players and look forward to helping the team in any way that I can."
The 35-year-old Hejduk, who would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, just completed his 12th season with the Avalanche. In 71 games in 2010-11, he finished third on the team in points (56) and tied for third in goals (22). He reached the 20-goal mark for the 11th straight campaign, tying Joe Sakic's franchise record. Hedjuk's run of 11 straight 20-goal campaigns is tied for the second-longest active streak in the NHL behind Calgary's Jarome Iginla (12).
"Milan has been a big part of our organization throughout the past 12 seasons," Avalanche General Manager Greg Sherman said. "He's been one of the top goal scorers in the NHL over the last decade and we look forward to having him back next season."
Hejduk ranks third in franchise history in games (910), fourth in both goals (357) and points (757), and fifth in assists (400). He is the organization's all-time leader in regular-season overtime goals (9), and his 58 career game-winners ranks second in team history behind only Sakic's 86.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.