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Sakic: Keeping 'core' players; hopes to re-sign O'Reilly |
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Rick Sadowski
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Avalanche VP/GM Joe Sakic basically said tonight that he isn't going to move any of his "core" players before Monday's NHL trading deadline and he hopes to re-sign center Ryan O'Reilly to a long-term deal this summer.
"We're in the thick of things right now," he said of the playoff picture. "I've had conversations with different teams. We've had teams inquire about some of our guys. We're not going to go out and try to acquire somebody for a run. I don't think we're in a position to give up draft picks or prospects just to try and make a run this year.
"The last month or so I've been very happy with the way the guys have played, especially our young core. They had a tough start, but I'm pretty proud of the way they've really worked and not quit and not shown their frustrations.
"We're not going to try and acquire any player unless it's a hockey trade, a trade that's going to improve us now and long term. I'm not going to do anything to add to the short-term basis this year."
O'Reilly is in the first year of a two-year, $12 million contract and would be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
"I don't want to trade Ryan," Sakic said. "Never say never, I don't believe anybody is untouchable. If there's a deal that's going to improve our organization, we would look to do something. That being said, I don't want to trade any of our core. I'm anticipating I'll try and re-sign him this summer.
"He's got another year left and we'll see where that goes. He's one of our core players so we'll try and get that done in the offseason. It is a situation we're not going to want that distraction going on next year either. We'll try and sign him in the offseason."
I'll have more on this Sunday. Covering tonight's Avalanche/Wild game.
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