Watch CBS News

Sakic Says He Still Wants To Sign O'Reilly

DENVER (AP) - Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic says it's still his desire to sign Ryan O'Reilly to a long-term contract before the start of next season.

In a conference call with reporters Thursday, Sakic said he's not out to trade his star center.

Ryan O'Reilly
Ryan O'Reilly (credit: Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

He praised O'Reilly, saying: "I like Ryan a lot. He is a very valuable player. He's part of our core and yeah, my first priority would be to sign him. Obviously, we'll see where it all goes."

Sakic said he doesn't want to enter next season without a deal in place with O'Reilly, who would become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He stressed: "I don't think the team needs it. I don't think he needs it. That's why it's important for us that we have something done."

- By Arnie Stapleton, AP Sports Writer

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.