Colorado Avalanche fans are well-versed in the history of their beloved team. From Quebec Nordiques roots to Stanley Cup glory in Denver, the franchise has been home to some of the NHL’s all-time greats. At the top of that list is Joe Sakic — a Hall of Famer, team legend, and perhaps the most important figure in the Avalanche’s success. But in a little-known twist of fate, Sakic’s future with the team almost took a dramatic turn in 1997. And believe it or not, Hollywood icon Harrison Ford played an unexpected role in keeping Sakic in Colorado.
A 1997 Offseason Full of Drama
The NHL landscape in 1997 was a very different one from today. Free agency, introduced only two years earlier in 1995, was still relatively new and confusing for both fans and front offices. There was no salary cap, and the rules around restricted free agents (RFAs) were still being sorted out. One of those RFAs happened to be Joe Sakic — the face of the Avalanche franchise and arguably one of the top two players in team history.
That summer, Sakic received a massive offer sheet from the New York Rangers. The deal was for $21 million over three years — an eye-popping figure at the time — with $15 million due as an upfront signing bonus. The Avalanche had just seven days to match the offer or risk losing their franchise cornerstone to one of the league’s biggest markets.
At the time, the team was owned by Ascent Entertainment — a company with investments not just in sports but in media and film. And that’s where things get interesting.
Enter Harrison Ford and Air Force One
Ascent Entertainment happened to be co-financing a major Hollywood project: Air Force One, an action thriller starring none other than Harrison Ford. The film, about a U.S. president fighting terrorists aboard the presidential jet, was a big-budget gamble for the company. But its success would prove to be more than just a box office win — it became the key to saving Joe Sakic’s career in Colorado.
Released in July 1997, Air Force One was a smash hit. It earned over $315 million worldwide, with nearly $173 million coming from domestic theaters alone. The influx of revenue from the film came at just the right time, giving Ascent the financial flexibility it needed to match the Rangers’ offer sheet.
Within the seven-day deadline, Colorado matched the deal, keeping Sakic with the team — a move that ultimately preserved the Avalanche’s competitive core and led to continued success in the years that followed, including their 2001 Stanley Cup win.
What Could Have Been
Had Air Force One flopped, or even just performed modestly, it’s entirely possible that the Avalanche would not have had the financial resources to keep Sakic. At the time, $15 million upfront was a significant sum — especially for a franchise still settling into its relatively new home in Denver. Losing Sakic would have been a devastating blow, not only to the team’s on-ice performance but also to its identity and fan base.
Imagine a world where Sakic was wearing a Rangers jersey instead of lifting the Stanley Cup in Colorado. It’s a reality that nearly came to pass — and one that was averted, thanks in part to the unexpected success of a Hollywood action movie.
A Story for the Ages
In today’s NHL, where the salary cap governs team spending and contract structures are more regulated, a situation like this is nearly impossible. But in the wild west era of late-’90s hockey, anything could happen — including a blockbuster film playing a role in franchise history.
So next time you rewatch Air Force One and see Harrison Ford battling villains at 30,000 feet, just remember: that movie didn’t just entertain audiences — it also helped keep a future Hall of Famer right where he belonged. Colorado Avalanche fans owe a small but unforgettable debt to Hollywood’s most iconic president.