Roy Spurns Free Agency for a $15-Million Contract

Free to test his worth on the open market, Patrick Roy decided to stay home.

Roy, who could have become an unrestricted free agent this summer, signed a two-year contract extension Monday with the Colorado Avalanche, ending six months of negotiations.

Roy, 33, is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $5.1 million this season. He will earn $7 million in the 1999-2000 season and $7.5 million during in 2000-2001. He also will receive $500,000 July 1.

Roy, who ranks fifth in career wins--and first among active NHL goaltenders--with 394, helped Colorado to the Stanley Cup title after being traded from Montreal midway through the 1995-96 season.

Roy’s signing raises questions about whether Colorado will be able to retain Peter Forsberg, a restricted free agent after this season.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins, at least temporarily, have withdrawn their request that a federal bankruptcy judge reconsider a ban that prohibits management from shopping the team to another city.