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D Liles accepts qualifying offer from Avalanche

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche retained one of their
top young players Thursday, announcing defenseman John-Michael
Liles accepted his one-year qualifying offer.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Liles made $550,000
during his rookie season of 2003-04.

A product of Michigan State, Liles was selected in the fifth
round of the 2000 draft. The 24-year-old made an immediate
impact with the Avalanche, collecting 10 goals - a franchise
best among rookie defensemen - and 24 assists in 79 games in
2003-04, earning a spot on the NHL's All-Rookie Team.

"John-Michael showed us that he is capable of being the kind of
player that will excel in the new NHL," Colorado general manager
Pierre Lacroix said. "He's a very smart, skilled player who
has a bright future ahead of him."

A native of Zionsville, Indiana, Liles gained international
experience following his rookie season, representing the United
States at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2005
International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship.

Last season, Liles registered five goals and six assists in 17
games with the Iserlohn Roosters of the German Elite League.

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