When Peter Forsberg was deciding where to launch his NHL comeback, he weighed where his heart was at as much he weighed how his injured foot was progressing.

Convinced he had a reasonable chance to play well again, Forsberg knew that the best place to be was probably in Colorado, where he established his stardom. He agreed today to a one-season deal with the Avalanche that will pay him close to $1.1 million for the remainder of the season.

"I wanted to come to a familiar place since I was going through this," Forsberg said. "(In Denver), I know everybody from the coaching staff to the management. I just feel comfortable."

The comfort factor is crucial because Forsberg comes with a chronic foot problem that is dicey enough that last week he had his agent Don Baizley issue a statement saying it was "unlikely" he would return this season.

"We came out with that statement because I wanted to be honest with the teams," Forsberg said. "I wanted to tell the teams, if you want to go in a different direction, please don't wait for me."

Colorado general manager Francois Giguere said he understands "the risk and we are willing to take that risk."

"I think we offer the smallest risk because he has established a great legacy here, and no matter what happens going forward, that legacy is going to stand," Giguere said.

Although the Avalanche are four points out of a playoff spot, Forsberg, who could have signed with most of the prime contenders, said he was convinced Colorado had the talent to make a playoff run.

"It's all about getting together as a team. Teams are so much closer than they used to be when there was no salary cap," Forsberg said. "If you get a guy playing unbelievable, you can make a run."

Coach Joel Quenneville has multiple options on how to use Forsberg, but he will get playing time with Joe Sakic at least on the power play, which had been the NHL's worst. "Instantly, our power play is improved," Quenneville said.

Colorado has only 19 games remaining, but Forsberg said he doesn't yet have a timetable for his return. "I have to be honest," he said. "I don't think I can come back practice Friday and play Saturday. Having one practice and go back to the NHL would be tough."

But he seems confident that his foot has progressed enough to allow him to play at the NHL level. He has been working on his rehabilitation all season. "There is still a little risk, but we are both willing to take it," Forsberg said.

Forsberg had to sign before tomorrow's 3 p.m. trade deadline to be eligible for the playoffs. Among issues that will be decided today: whether the Atlanta Thrashers will trade potential free agent Marian Hossa; what the Tampa Bay Lightning will do with Brad Richards and Dan Boyle; and whether the Columbus Blue Jackets will load up or deal some of their seven free agents.