Joe Sakic  has decided not to retire after all.

The Avalanche decided to return for one more year, signing for $6 million. That solidified Colorado’s playoff hopes – and it could lead to another signing or two, since the ‘Lanche is still well under the NHL salary cap.

“Ultimately it came down to the fact that I still enjoy playing and competing,” Sakic via a news release. (With the Democrats running amok in Denver, the team didn’t hold a news conference.)

“I’m comfortable with my conditioning and my overall health. I’m ready for the start of camp and am looking forward to the upcoming season.”

COME ON, LET ‘EM RACE

Sure NASCAR officials fret over the ongoing Carl Edwards-Kyle Busch feud?

Hardly. Stock car racing needs more of the old-school attitude. These drivers need to ask themselves, “What would Dale Sr. do?”

NASCAR placed both Edwards and Busch on probation for their post-race jostling at Bristol Motor Speedway. During the race, Edwards used the old bump-and-go move to move past Busch.

“I feel like I was extremely justified to do what I did,” Edwards said afterward. “I needed to do it, and that’s the way it went. Let’s make it real clear, I’m not apologizing for it, and that’s it.”

Fans love this stuff. As long as this aggressive driving didn’t hurt anybody, it’s good for the sport.

ESPN commentator Marty Smith had this take: “Penalize Carl and Kyle? NASCAR — which put both drivers on probation for the next six weeks — should be hugging them.

“This is precisely what the sport needs right now, and the fans love it. Emotion and passion and no consideration about any apologies. Busch’s postrace interview was absolutely classic — drier than the Griswold Family Christmas turkey and every bit as steamy.”