Quincey backtracked on those comments today, while preparing to face his former teammates, when the Avalanche visit Detroit on Saturday (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

“That was taken out of context and I didn’t mean any of that. And the stuff that I said about guys having their bags packed was bad … but it wasn’t all in Colorado, it was the whole league,'' Quincey said. “Everyone until Monday at 3 (p.m.) is pretty anxious, not just in Colorado.

“I don’t want to put any of my former teammates in hot soup. I regret saying the stuff that I did, but it wasn’t towards them. Colorado is an unbelievable place to play, I had a great time there, I love it there, I bought a house there, and that’s my home now, so the last thing I want to do is get them upset with me.''

Quincey said he hadn't yet heard from any of his former teammates about his remarks. Colorado is playing at Columbus tonight.

“They know me and they know that I’m not a negative person at all, so they know that I didn’t mean that at all,'' Quincey said. “And obviously being there for three years and how much I liked that organization and what they did for me I have nothing but positive things to say and those things came out wrong.”

Quincey said it will be "weird'' playing his former team just four days after the trade.

"I remember the first time I came back here (Detroit) I was squeezing the stick pretty hard (when he played for Los Angeles),'' Quincey said. "I think the biggest challenge is going to be going back to Pepsi Center, but I’m looking forward to it (next season).

"Last night (4-3 shootout loss to Vancouver) was a very frustrating way to end that game and I’m just looking forward to getting a win as a Red Wing.''

He said the Avalanche are very fast and young and fun to watch.

"We just have to play our game and wear them down in their own zone,'' Quincey said. "But once they get going they can be offensively explosive and they have two great goaltenders and a very good (defense) and good, young skilled forwards. But if we play our game we should be OK.”

Colorado is chasing the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"They’re in a dogfight and they’re not out of it at all,'' Quincey said. "I’ve been playing playoff hockey for two months now, so it’s been fun.”