The Colorado Avalanche will have Adam Foote back after signing their captain and mentor to a one-year deal Tuesday. Foote's deal is worth $1 million in base salary plus $250,000 in bonuses, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun. Foote was an integral part of Colorado's turnaround in 2009-10 as he guided a youthful squad into the playoffs a season after finishing last in the Western Conference. The Avalanche threw a scare at the top-seeded San Jose Sharks before tumbling in six games. "This organization is definitely heading in the right direction," said Foote, who will turn 39 in July. "Having a young group like we did last year come together and compete at a high level was very special. We're looking to carry that momentum into next season." The hard-hitting defenseman finished the regular season with nine assists in 67 contests. However, his biggest contributions may have come away from the ice. Foote invited rookie forward Matt Duchene to live in his basement, serving as Duchene's mentor and easing his transition into the NHL. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=5220112
