01:00 AM EDT on Friday, June 18, 2004

The Colorado Avalanche re-signed forward Steve Konowalchuk to a three-year contract yesterday.

Konowalchuk was acquired from the Washington Capitals last October. He played in 82 games, including 76 with the Avalanche, collecting 19 goals and 21 assists. It was his third-highest single-season goal total and fifth-highest point total.

Terms of his new contract were not disclosed. He could have become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Konowalchuk said he enjoyed his first season in Colorado, which ended with a second-round playoff loss to San Jose.

"There's a winning tradition here with the Avalanche organization," he said. "Denver represents an unbelievable environment to play hockey in."

ROUNDUP

TAMPA RETAINS KHABIBULIN: The Lightning picked up the $6.5-million option to bring back goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who helped them win their first Stanley Cup title. Khabibulin tied for the league lead with five shutouts and posted a 1.71 goals-against average in the 2004 playoffs. "Nik's performance throughout our Stanley Cup run only reinforced how valuable he is to our hockey club," general manager Jay Feaster said yesterday. The native of Russia was 28-19-7 this season with three shutouts and a 2.33 goals-against average. Since being acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes on March 5, 2001, Khabibulin is 83-74-28, and he has led the team to consecutive Southeast Division titles. He holds franchise records in victories, shutouts (14) and consecutive wins (8).

HASEK SHOPPING: Goaltender Dominik Hasek won't play for the Detroit Red Wings next season. Hasek said Ottawa is one of the teams he would be interested in joining, and added he wants to be on a club that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup. "The decision should be taken . . . no later than the beginning of July," he said in yesterday's edition of the Sport daily. "At the moment I can only confirm that I won't be in Detroit next season." A call from The Associated Press to Hasek's agent, Rich Winter, wasn't immediately returned.