Forsberg Close To Deciding If He Will Return

Added on Feb 05, 2011 by J Merrill in

NHL

Peter Forsberg seemed to be in a positive mood following a one hour practice he had on Friday with the Colorado Avalanche. He noted that he seemed to be pretty close to making a decision on whether he believes he can make a successful return to the NHL after a nearly three-year absence.

Forsberg said he feels as though he is headed in the right direction. He said after the practice “It’s starting to feel better, actually. Compared to Wednesday, it’s getting better. We’re near a decision; we’re very near a decision. Not yet, but we’ll see soon. It’s been great to get in at least a couple of practices. I’m feeling better, so we’ll see how it goes the next couple days here. I’m more up today, but if I can play or not, I don’t know yet.”

Forsberg had a rough time at the Wednesday before last practice, and was discouraged when he spoke to the media. He seemed to look out of breath, and was fiddling with the skate of the foot that has bothered him for years. He has since had six days of practice essentially by himself, and Forsberg thinks that may have been what he needed. He said “Wednesday was not a good practice, but I had six days by myself. It was like starting over again when the guys came back. What can I say? We’ll see here in the next couple of days how close. I’m feeling better, though. When I first got here it was really quick. It feels like I’m getting into the pace. I just have to see if I’m good enough.”

Avalanche coach Joe Sacco says he can see an improvement in Forsberg as he gets more and more practice. He said of Peter, “I’ve seen a gradual improvement every time he’s stepped on the ice. I think he’s looked good each day, and each day he’s looked a little bit better. He’ll make the decision, the right decision, at the appropriate time.”

Forsberg likely will have to make a decision this weekend. The Avalanche is tentatively scheduled to practice Sunday morning before departing for Phoenix to begin a week-long, four-game road trip. He concluded “Of course you want to be out there and be on the ice and helping the team. If you don’t feel that way, you have something wrong. I’ve wanted to play for a long, long time and it’s painful to watch a game, especially if (the Avalanche is losing). You want to be on the ice and help. I’d like to be out there as soon as I can, if it’s good enough.”