 Joseph Steven Sakic ( / ˈsækᵻk / ; born July 7 , 1969 ) is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player . He played his entire 21 @-@ year National Hockey League ( NHL ) career with the Quebec Nordiques / Colorado Avalanche franchise . Named captain of the team in 1992 ( after serving as a co @-@ captain in 1990 – 91 ) , Sakic is regarded as one of the most capable team leaders in league history and was able to motivate his team to play at a winning level . Sakic led the Avalanche to Stanley Cup titles in 1996 and 2001 , being named the most valuable player of the 1996 playoffs , and honored as the MVP of the NHL in 2001 by the hockey writers and his fellow players . As such , he is one of six Avalanche players in franchise history to participate in both of the team 's Stanley Cup victories . Sakic was also named to play in 13 NHL All @-@ Star Games and selected to the NHL First All @-@ Star Team at centre three times . 
