Joe Sakic to Announce Retirement

After 20 seasons in the NHL, Joe Sakic is expected to officially announce his retirement at a press conference on Thursday, according to the Denver Post.

Sakic was originally taken with the 15th pick in 1987, when the franchise was still in Quebec, and spent his entire career with the organization -- a career that will certainly be honored with a Hall of Fame ceremony in the near future.

The past two seasons were a challenge for the 40-year-old, as a multitude of injuries held him to only 59 of a possible 164 games. Sakic had surgery on a hernia two years ago and last season missed time due to a herniated disc and broken fingers from an incident with a snowblower. But regardless of the injuries, he was almost a point-per-game player until the end, amassing 52 points during those injury-plagued seasons.

Recent injuries aside, Sakic had a great ability to stay healthy and play through pain for most of his career. His final numbers through 20 seasons are 1,378 games, 625 goals, 1,016 assists and 1,641 points. Those give him an average season stat line of 69 games, 31 goals, 51 assists, and 82 points -- exceptional numbers without a doubt. He retires as the franchise leader in all four of those categories.

In NHL history, Sakic is up there with the greatest. He retires ranked eighth all-time in points, 11th in assists, 14th in goals and 12th in power play goals. Sakic won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche, in 1996 and 2001, in addition to helping Canada win a gold medal at the 2002 Olympics.

Sports Retirements

Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic is finally retiring after 20 memorable seasons in the NHL, which included two Stanley Cup victories and 13 All-Star Game selections. Click through to see sports stars who hung it up recently.

Jack Dempsey, AP

June 8: Dan Morgan, a first-round pick in the 2001 draft, announced his retirement for the second time after an inability to overcome numerous injuries.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

May 6: Holly McPeak, who won 72 career titles, called it quits from the Association of Volleyball Professionals Tour.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

April 21: "For me, basketball is over," Dikembe Mutombo said after a knee injury knocked him out of the Rockets' playoff game against the Trail Blazers. The 18-year veteran was the NBA's oldest player at 43.

Sam Forencich, NBAE/Getty Images

April 14: Oscar De La Hoya calls it a career after winning an Olympic gold medal and 10 world titles in six divisions.

John Gurzinski, AFP / Getty Images

March 23: Pitcher Curt Schilling announced on his blog that he's retiring after 23 years with "zero regrets."

Winslow Townson, AP

Dec. 11, 2008: Cuttino Mobley announced he was forced to retire because of a heart disease.

NBA/Getty Images

Dec. 8: Morten Anderson, who scored 2,437 points during his career, retired from the NFL at age 48.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

Dec. 8: Four-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux officially announced his retirement. The 42-year-old legend, who earned a record 18 Gold Gloves, finished eighth on the career wins list with 355.

Kevork Djansezian, AP

Nov. 20: Mike Mussina, just weeks shy of turning 40, officially announced his retirement. The pitcher had 270 career wins and compiled a 20-9 record with the Yankees in 2008.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images