NEW JERSEY VS. PITTSBURGH COLORADO VS. ST. LOUIS

Tuesday, June 12 Avs have decisions to make Associated Press DENVER -- Rob Blake had so much fun winning his first Stanley Cup, he wants to see some familiar faces the second time around. Blake, traded from the Los Angeles Kings to Colorado on Feb. 21, is one of three high-priced Avalanche players who will be eligible for free agency July 1. Captain Joe Sakic and goalie Patrick Roy are the other two. "When you win you want to get right back. It's unbelievable, that feeling," Blake said. "The next morning you wake up and you're like, `Let's get this again.' You've got a team like this, let's keep it together." Blake's enthusiasm was a stark change from four months ago when he and Los Angeles could not agree on a contract extension. Fearing they would lose the three-time All-Star defenseman, the Kings traded Blake and rookie forward Steven Reinprecht to Colorado for forward Adam Deadmarsh, defenseman Aaron Miller, a first-round draft pick and future considerations. The participants collided when Colorado played the Kings in the Western Conference semifinals. The Avs wasted a 3-1 series lead before beating Los Angeles in Game 7. The experience proved valuable as Colorado beat defending champion New Jersey in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, giving Blake his first title in 12 NHL seasons. "It's been every challenge I needed in my life," Blake said. "I never expected to be traded. I never expected to meet L.A. in the playoffs. I never expected to go to a Game 7 and win a cup. During the time it was difficult, but when you look back it's the best way it could happen." Blake, who made $5.27 million last season, is optimistic a deal with the Avalanche could be reached before the free-agency period begins. Colorado's interest may also depend on whether defenseman Ray Bourque retires and how negotiations go with Sakic and Roy. "I really don't know what he's going to do," Bourque' agent, Steve Freyer, said Tuesday, "but you could argue the case either way -- if he's going to stay or go. Either way, I wouldn't be surprised." Bourque, the highest-scoring defenseman in NHL history, has said that he will wait two or three weeks before making an official announcement. "The main thing is just mentally, and if I really want to come back," Bourque said after a victory parade on Monday. "I know it's going to happen soon here. In the meantime, we're just going to rest and see how we feel and make a decision probably sometime in July." Sakic, drafted by the Quebec-Colorado franchise in 1987, figures to command the most money. He and Colorado agreed to a one-year, $7.9 million deal when a long-term agreement could not be reached last summer. His salary was highest in the league last season. "We'll worry about that when the time comes and I know it's coming around the corner quick," Sakic said. "It would be perfect if everything could work out and we can stay." Sakic finished second to Roy in voting for the Conn Smythe Trophy given to the playoff MVP. The two have helped the Avs win two championships in six seasons and have made Colorado their off-season home since 1996. Roy made $7.5 million last season, meaning general manager Pierre Lacroix has to consider raises for three players who made more than $20 million in 2000-01. If Bourque retires, the Avs would save $5.5 million -- the difference between his 2001-02 salary and a $1 million buyout. Lacroix, one of the most respected general managers in the NHL, is expected to address his team's future sometime this week. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

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