Big Foppa's back in town: Forsberg signs with Avs

So much for not being ready. Foppa's back in town.

In what shouldn't be a shock, Peter Forsberg has decided that his oft-injured foot and ankle are healed enough to allow his to return to the NHL this season. The 2003 MVP signed a deal with the Colorado Avalanche on Monday that will pay him $1 million for the remainder of the season.

With Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic just rounding into form after injuries, it would seem that the last thing the Avs need is another player on the mend - and it also didn't look like Forsberg would be back until next season at the soonest.

Last week, Forsberg's agent said the two-time Stanley Cup winner didn’t have enough confidence in the strength of his surgically repaired right foot to play. Forsberg, fourth on Colorado's all-time scoring list with 741 points in 580 gamses, was also reportedly being courted by the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.

"I am looking forward to putting this jersey on again," Forsberg said. "I have so many great memories of my playing days in Denver. I’m excited about helping my new teammates and former teammates in the coming weeks, and hopefully I am able to do that in the very near future."

It's not immediately known when Forsberg will make his season debut. The Avs cap a five-game road trip Tuesday against the Calgary Flames and Wednesday versus the Vancouver Canucks before starting a four-game homestand on March 1 against the Los Angeles Kings. Circle that date.

On Monday night, Colorado is in 10th place in the Western Conference with 68 points - just four behind Vancouver and the Nashville Predators, who are tied for seventh. With

Forsberg has averaged better than a point per game in his career against Northwest Division opponents, totaling 30 goals and 70 assists in 85 games. After hosting the New Jersey Devils on March 15, the Avs will play their final nine games against division foes -- three against Minnesota and two each Vancouver, Calgary and the Edmonton Oilers.