Colorado Avalanche: 10 Best Players in History.

As we all know, the Colorado Avalanche hit the NHL scene in 1995 and became known as one of the best hockey teams of all-time in a 10-year span. During that span, the Avalanche made the playoffs nine out of 10 seasons and won 2 Stanley Cups. The Avs have faltered a bit over the last few years, but as the decade has just closed, I wanted to put together a list of my All-time Avs players in the club's history in Denver. Enjoy!

Note: The dates listed are for the time the players have spent in Denver, not Quebec.

10. Mike Ricci: 1995-1997

Mike made my Top 10 because this guy was a beast. He was one of the hardest checkers in the league, and was extremely physical. He would be a big factor in the Avalanche's 1996 Stanley Cup win. He was also elected for having the longest hair, the most curved nose, and the fewest teeth in Avalanche history.

9. Jon Klemm: 1995-2001

Jon Klemm has solidified himself as an Avalanche great. He was a stellar defensemen, playing with Colorado from 1995-2001. Although he was never known for being a points guy, he was still one of the best the game had to offer.

8. Ray Bourque: 2000-2001

Was there a better defensemen...ever? Well maybe, but if there is, it maybe one or two. Bourque decided to leave Boston for his last season in 2000 to play for the Avalanche and try to reach the ultimate pinnacle, and he succeeded. He landed at No. 8 because he only played one year in Colorado. Bourque is one of only six players in NHL history to have his jersey retired by two different teams (Boston and Colorado).

7. Chris Drury: 1998-2002

In Drury's four-year stint with the Avalanche, he became known as a points scorer. He grabbed 222 points in that time frame and became a household name in Denver. He helped the Avalanche win the 2001 Stanley Cup.

6. Rob Blake: 2001-2006

Rob Blake became a focal point of the Avalanche defense. He used to be one of the best defenders in the league, AND he could score goals and get assists. In his six-year span with the team, he grabbed 208 points and a Stanley Cup.

5. Milan Hejduk 1998-Present

Hejduk has become on of the Avalanches all time point scorers, netting 657 points with his time in Colorado. In 2002-2003, Hejduk set a personal best with 98 points consisting of 50 goals and 48 assists.

4. Adam Foote: 1996-2004; 2007-Present

Seeing the Captains "C" on any other Avalanche jersey besides No. 19 should have been just weird. However Adam Foote has made it seem almost second nature. Foote has been there to hoist two Cups, and in Colorado he has established himself as one of the elite defenders in the league.

3. Peter Forsberg: 1996-2004; 2007-2008

Peter Forsberg is not only going to be immortalized in Avalanche history, but in NHL history all together. This shoe in hall of famer still holds the team record for assists in one season with86 that he set back in 1995-96. Forsberg will be remembered as one of the greatest breakaway goal scorers and assist guys ever.

T-1. Joe Sakic: 1995-2009

This was the hardest decision to make, which of the last two were going to be No. 1 and No. 2, put them both at the top of the list. Joe Sakic has been the face of the franchise since it was established in Denver in 1995. He holds the team record for just about everything. He is also on just about every NHL record list there is, too. This puts him in the Top 10 for all-time players EVER. Maybe around No. 6 or No. 7 of all time. Joe became the third player to have his jersey retired by the Avalanche.

T1. Patrick Roy: 1995-2003

Well it wasn't hard to guess who this was going to be. Patrick Roy was the record holder of most wins in NHL history until Martin Brodeur took over the roll.

However, many still consider that honor to Patty, because of the rule change a few years ago with the shootout. Roy was inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 16, 2006. His outstanding career has labeled him the best goaltender of all time. Roy is another player whose jersey was retired by two teams, Colorado and Montreal.

Other players

I know there have been several other players that deserve mention, but I just wanted to list my Top 10 of all time. This season could turn out to be the Avs return to greatness. Time will tell.