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Last night's shutout loss to the Anaheim Ducks marked a special point in the career of Avs defenseman John-Michael Liles. It was NHL game number 500 in the American-born defenseman's career. During those 500 games, Liles has amassed 68 goals and 196 assists for a total of 264 career points. In 53 games this season, Liles has 6 goals and 29 assists for 35 points, on pace for a career best season. His previous best points total was 44 points during his sophomore season. Liles is also one of two players who has remained healthy and not missed a single game this season (the other player is Matt Duchene). So congratulations to Liles on his 500th NHL game.

In other news, Peter Forsberg is officially set to return to the Avalanche, although his exact debut remains in question. Forsberg had to travel to Canada today in order to re-enter the country with a work visa so he can begin playing for the Avalanche. Forsberg also said he wouldn't mind taking a few more practices with the team before joining real game action. Forsberg's return will come at a time when the Avalanche are in need of some kind of spark. They have lost 4 games in a row and have been shut out the last two games. Whether Forsberg's joining the team will provide the needed spark remains to be seen, but it certainly can't hurt anything.

The NHL trading deadline is coming up on February 28th and with the Avs recent struggles, it wouldn't be surprising to see them make another move. Lately, Sacco has seemed to show little confidence in either of his goaltenders (both of whom have been allowing at least 3 goals in their last several starts). Both Budaj and Anderson have been starting lately. The defense has not been solid in front of either goalie and obviously with the shutouts, the offense has died off as well. So it wouldn't be surprising to see the Avs pursuing players at any position at this point.