Avalanche GM Sakic would like Ryan O'Reilly 'signed by the start of the season'

Joe Sakic doesn't appear to be picking up the phone quite yet.

The Colorado Avalanche general manager expressed his intent Thursday to sign center Ryan O'Reilly to a contract extension.

"I'd like to have (O'Reilly) signed by the start of the season, hopefully," Sakic said. "I like Ryan a lot. He's a very valuable player. He's part of our core."

This news comes amid reports the Avalanche are willing to listen to trade offers for the 24-year-old center, who has one year and $6 million remaining on his contract before unrestricted free agency kicks in next summer.

Matt Duchene is already locked in long-term at center, with Nathan MacKinnon hitting restricted free agency after next season. A big extension for O'Reilly, therefore, would tie up significant cap space at one position.

O'Reilly recorded 17 goals and 38 assists last season, with a Corsi For rating of 49.