The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has acquired forward Scott Parker from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a sixth round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Parker, 29, was one of four first round picks (20th overall) by the Avalanche in the 1998 Entry Draft. He spent his first four NHL seasons with Colorado and was a member of the Avalanche?s 2001 Stanley Cup Championship team. He was traded to San Jose for a fifth round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft on June 21, 2003.

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has acquired goaltender Michael Wall from the Anaheim Ducks. In return for his services, the Avalanche sent forward Brad May to Anaheim. ?Michael Wall is a solid prospect who will help the goaltending depth in our system,? said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. Wall, 21, has spent most of the 2006-07 season with Anaheim?s American Hockey League affiliate, the Portland Pirates, where he was 10-6-1 with a 3.13 goals-against average and .880 save percentage in 19 appearances. He was recalled on two separate occasions by the Ducks, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.97 GAA in four NHL appearances. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 26 against Calgary, stopping 19-of-22 shots for a 5-3 victory over the Flames.

Karlis Skrastins found out that nothing is forever. The owner of the longest consecutive games played streak among defensemen in NHL history, Skrastins had the run come to an end Sunday, when he was unable to play in the Avalanche's game against the Ducks. Skrastins, who has played in 495 straight contests since last sitting out on February 18, 2000, had the streak halted due to a knee injury he suffered in Saturday's shootout loss at Los Angeles. The 32-year-old Latvian skated in the pregame warmup but declared the ailment too painful to play.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jordan Leopold will miss approximately four weeks after tests revealed a fractured wrist, team officials said Tuesday. Leopold, who hurt his wrist in the third period against Calgary last Thursday night, had the MRI exam on Monday. He is scheduled for surgery this week.

Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg, Anaheim Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne and Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending Feb. 18. Each Monday, the NHL will recognize three players who delivered the League's top performances over the past week.

It wasn't the prettiest goal Joe Sakic has ever scored, but it was more than enough to put him into some very select company. Sakic scored twice, including his 600th career goal into an empty net, and added three assists to lead the Avalanche to a 7-5 win over the Flames on Thursday night. Sakic became the 17th player in NHL history to record the 600-goal plateau. He joins Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr, who both achieved the milestone earlier this year with the Rangers.

Stars center Eric Lindros missed Sunday's game against Colorado with a lower-body injury. Lindros hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 20 against the Avalanche. He has played in 24 games since, and Sunday was the 12th game he's missed because of injury in that span. The Stars said he is day-to-day.

The Avalanche just got grittier for their run for a postseason berth. Entering the day in ninth place in the Western Conference, the Avalanche on Thursday activated rugged left wing Brad May from injured reserve. The 35-year-old May has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury during a preseason game against Detroit on September 25. He underwent reconstructive surgery three days later and has missed each of Colorado's 53 games this season.

Karlis Skrastins broke Tim Horton's NHL record for durability by a defenseman Thursday night when he played in his 487th consecutive regular-season game. The Avalanche honored Skrastins before their home game against Atlanta with a video tribute that included images of the late Horton, who played from 1950-74, mostly with the Maple Leafs. Before the puck was dropped, Skrastins came out and took a bow as spinning "487" images were shined on the ice. He was joined by two of Horton's four daughters along with his wife, Zane, and general manager Francois Giguere during the short ceremony.

Karlis Skrastins, on the verge of breaking Tim Horton's NHL record for durability by a defenseman, has never shied away from pucks or pain. A life of bumps, bruises and breaks attest to the 32-year-old's all-out style. He's constantly dropping to the ice or skating into the shooting lanes to block shots for the Avalanche. "Pain is part of our job," he said. Skrastins is set to break Horton's nearly 40-year-old record Thursday night against Atlanta when he plays in his 487th consecutive regular season game.