Avalanche News: Peter Forsberg Back with Colorado

In a surprising move one day prior to the NHL trading deadline, the Colorado Avalanche have brought back unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg for the rest of the season.

It was originally thought that Forsberg, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, was going to sit out the rest of the season to rest up his right foot according to an announcement that  Forsberg's agent Don Baizley made last week.

What a way to start off the midseason trading frenzy that will take place throughout the rest of the league just hours before the deadline.

Originally, it was thought that Philadelphia might have been one of the contenders in the Forsberg sweepstakes until the announcement of the Swedish superstar's non-return just a week earlier.

But now, Colorado has picked up the biggest name that's out there. Assuming he can contribute, Forsberg and the return of Joe Sakic make the Avalanche that much better.

The Avalanche, with a 31-26-6 record and 68 points, are 4 points out of a playoff spot. The teams they're be chasing include Vancouver and Nashville, both tied for the 7th and 8th spots at the moment.

Does having Forsberg mean that the Avalanche will win the Stanley Cup?

Probably not.

Just ask the Predators, who had him for their playoff run last year but were ousted in the first round.

But it does make the other teams in the West battling for a playoff spot be weary of Colorado.

One team that's in danger is Vancouver. The Canucks, who missed out on Forsberg and also on Mats Sundin, will have to cure their scoring woes elsewhere.

It has not yet been reported when Forsberg will actually suit up with Colorado—but in the meantime, the Avalanche will have a date with Calgary on Tuesday before playing the Canucks the following day.