DENVER (AP) - Joe Sakic has decided to play in 2008-09, signing a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche after spending months pondering retirement.

Sakic took longer than normal to decide whether to return for a 20th season with the only franchise he has played for. He came to the conclusion that "I still enjoy playing and competing," he said in a statement released by the team Wednesday.

Because the Democratic National Convention is taking place this week at the Pepsi Center, the Avs' home, the team said it wouldn't hold a news conference until next week.

(Copyright 2008 By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)