DENVER - Avalanche captain Joe Sakic agreed Tuesday to a deal that will keep him in Colorado.

Sakic could have become a free agent, but decided to stay with the Avalanche for an 18th season.

"I've been fortunate to play for a great organization surrounded by good teammates for many years in a great hockey market," Sakic said. "My family is very much at home here, so it was important for me to remain in Colorado."

Sakic ranks 11th on the NHL's all-time list in points (1,489), 15th in assists (915) and 17th in goals (574). He has more overtime playoff goals (seven) than anyone else.

Only Steve Yzerman has a longer tenure with the same team (22 seasons) and only five other players have tallied more points with one organization (Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Ray Bourque and Yzerman).

"This organization's success has been due in large part to Joe Sakic, both as a leader and as a premiere player in this league," general manager Francois Giguere said. "Keeping him in an Avalanche uniform was definitely a priority."