Denver, CO -- Defenseman Karlis Skrastins has accepted Colorado's qualifying offer and will remain a member of the Avalanche.

The 31-year-old Skrastins, who began his NHL career by playing two games for Nashville in the 1998-1999 season, was a restricted free agent.

"Karlis has made a solid contribution to our organization since his arrival," said Avalanche president and general manager Pierre Lacroix. "He brings a steady presence and consistent play to our defensive corps."

Skrastins' first season with the Avalanche came in 2003-04, when he tallied five goals and eight assists. He played in all 82 regular season games for a fourth consecutive season and has a 351-games played streak intact, the longest among active NHL players.

Colorado also made a trade on Tuesday, sending goaltender Philippe Sauve to Calgary in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.