DENVER — Longtime Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic is officially retiring after 20 seasons and two Stanley Cup titles.

His No. 19 sweater will also be retired.

The 40-year-old Sakic has been the face of the franchise since the team moved to Denver in 1995. He will formally announce his retirement plans at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Known for his lethal wrist shot and precision passing, Sakic leaves with his name among the NHL's career scoring leaders. He's eighth in points (1,641), 11th in assists (1,016) and 14th in goals (625)

Sakic's jersey will be raised to the Pepsi Center rafters in a ceremony at the season opener.