Leschyshyn, 35, will be returning to the Avalanche/Nordiques organization where he spent eight-plus seasons from 1988-96. Leschyshyn was drafted third overall by Quebec in the 1988 Entry Draft and went on to play in 522 career games with the franchise, a total that still ranks 12th all time. He was a key member of the Avalanche's 1995-96 Stanley Cup championship team, as he participated in 77 regular season games and 17 playoff contests in helping Colorado to its first Stanley Cup. The veteran blueliner has gone on to play with Washington, Hartford, Carolina, Minnesota and Ottawa since leaving the Avs, scoring a combined total of 212 points (47 goals, 165 assists) in 1,033 career NHL games.

"We are very excited to have Curtis back in an Avalanche sweater," Avalanche President and General Manager Pierre Lacroix said. "He was a big part of our 1996 Stanley Cup Championship and having his leadership in our dressing room again will be a great asset."