The Last of the Nordiques

In the midst of everything playoffs and self-analysis, I completely overlooked a bit of news that is fairly significant.  Sunday was the last game for Adam Foote, who spent much of his career in the Quebec/Colorado organization.  While having nowhere near the name recognition of Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, or even Milan Hejduk, Foote was a rock on the Avalanche blue line during much of his career.  He could occasionally drop the gloves, and provided leadership later in his career.  Just as important is the fact that he is the last player on the old Nordiques team of 1995 (the last year they were in Quebec) to have been left in the NHL, though there are a few ex-Nords in other leagues.  Foote was a warrior whose contributions allowed for the skill players to focus on their strengths.