DENVER - Colorado goaltender Tommy Salo, who served as David Aebischer's backup after a late-season trade, has decided to retire, the Denver Post reported. Salo will return to Sweden next season, most likely to play for MoDo of the Swedish Elite League.
Salo, 33, went 1-3-1 with the Avalanche after being acquired from the Oilers. He played in one postseason game in relief of Aebischer.
Salo had an option year remaining on his contract, which would have paid him $4-million. He made $3.9-million this season.
Once a touted prospect in the Islanders organization, Salo was dealt to Edmonton in 1998. He played at least 60 games in each of the next four seasons for the Oilers. He also represented Sweden in the 2002 Olympics. This season, prior to be being dealt, he split time with Ty Conklin.
Salo was 210-225-73 in 10 seasons.
FLYERS: Forward Mark Recchi will be evaluated this week to determine if a groin pull he sustained during the playoffs is a sports hernia that may require surgery. Recchi had four goals in three series.
SABRES: First-round pick Daniel Paille agreed to a three-year contract. Selected 20th overall in the 2002 draft, Paille, a forward, is coming off a strong season in which he co-captained Guelph to the Ontario Hockey League title. The forward also gained prominence last winter when he was captain of Canada's team that won a silver medal at the World Junior Hockey championships. Paille set career highs last season with 37 goals, 43 assists and 80 points.
