The last remaining active member of the former Quebec Nordiques and the 1995-96 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche is hanging up his skates.

After 19 NHL seasons, 17 of which were spent with the Nordiques/Avalanche, veteran defenseman Adam Foote will be retiring at the end of the regular season, playing his final game on Sunday, April 10, 2011.

He reportedly considered retirement last summer but was convinced to return for one more season. The Avalanche's season however fell apart while Foote played only 46 games, sidelined by concussion, leg and foot injuries.

Foote, 39, was known for his “stay-at-home” physical defensive style, though he did have three seasons of 27 or more points, including a career-best 11 goals and 31 points in 2002-03.

The 6-2, 220 lb blueliner was a key part of the Avalanche's Stanley Cup championship teams of 1996 and 2001 and finishes his NHL regular season career with 308 points in 1, 153 games, 1,534 PIMs and a plus-minus of +99, along with 42 points and 298 PIMs in 170 post-season games.

Foote's gritty defensive style also made him an invaluable member of Canada's gold-medal Men's Hockey Team at the 2002 Winter Olympics, plus a two-time member of Team Canada in the World Cup of Hockey.

He also became the Avalanche team captain in October 2009 following the retirement of team legend and long-time franchise player Joe Sakic.

While his numbers aren't Hall of Fame worthy, Foote's physical style, leadership and longevity made him a fan favorite with Avalanche fans, ensuring he'll be well-remembered along with his more illustrious Avs teammates.