http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/teams/colorado_avalanche/113 Recent articles about Colorado Avalanche en-us Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic formed a productive partnership on the ice during their playing days, leading the Colorado Avalanche to two Stanley Cup titles. Now, Avalanche fans are hoping they're reunited again to steer the foundering franchise back to the glory days. According to reports, the Hall of Fame goaltender could possibly be in line to become the next coach. Roy's younger brother, Stephane Roy, posted a Facebook note late Monday night saying his brother would be the new coach. Stephane Roy later told The Denver Post: ''They're discussing the final details of an arrangement.'' The organization remains silent on the report, saying in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Avs, ''won't comment on any speculation on this issue.'' Fans in the Mile High City are enthralled by the thought of two of the most beloved players in team history joining forces again to lead team. The Avalanche fired Joe Sacco on April 28 after a season in which the s Tue, 21 May 2013 16:47:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avs_mum_on_patrick_roy_report/13667233 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avs_mum_on_patrick_roy_report/13667233 Avs mum on Patrick Roy report http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avs_mum_on_patrick_roy_report/13667233 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/3/c35828134cd278bf877a6e0701bdb21b70f19815/mini/5606714.jpg Reports are circulating around the Denver Post today that legendary goaltender Patrick Roy will be Joe Sacco’s replacement as the Colorado Avalanche’s head coach. This could just be what the doctor order to help the crippling Avalanche. But the Avalanche are emphasizing that talk of the Roy deal is premature as it’s not done, according to the Denver Post’s Adrian Dater. “They’re discussing the final details of an arrangement. Colorado is going to be very happy. Patrick is looking for a new challenge,” the younger brother of Patrick Roy, Stephane, told the Denver Post. Stephane also went on Facebook to spread the word that his brother will be the next Avalanche bench boss. Patrick Roy was one of the greatest goaltenders of all-time, but he has also been coaching since 2005 with the QMJHL Quebec Remparts. He has a 307-128-32 record and won the Memorial Cup. So yes, he would be qualifying very well for the job plus, he has some amazing history with the Avalanche. Joe Sakic, who was pu... Tue, 21 May 2013 13:02:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/has_the_avalanche_found_their_coach/13663621 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/has_the_avalanche_found_their_coach/13663621 Has the Avalanche Found Their Coach? http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/has_the_avalanche_found_their_coach/13663621 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/d/6d5c436d201eaeb5f98e4a0576f521a53f7c655d/mini/Los_Angeles_Kings_41c9.jpg The Colorado Avalanche continued their personal own avalanche by continuing to dismantle their coaching staff on last Monday, severing ties with goalie coach Kirk McLean. McLean, who spent 15 years in the NHL playing for New Jersey, Vancouver, Carolina, Florida and the New York Rangers, was hired as Colorado’s goaltending consultant in 2010. According to the Denver Post’s Adrian Dater, it’s unclear if McLean was fired, or left the organization. The 46-year-old was never a full-time employee with the club but did work with both Semyon Varlamov and JS Giguere over the last two seasons. Here’s what Giguere had to say about the relationship (to In Goal Magazine), when questions arose about whether Giguere, a veteran netminder, was doing some coaching rather than McLean, who was there on a part-time basis: First and foremost I am not [Varlamov's] goalie coach. Some people make that assumption and that would be unfair for Kirk. Kirk is the goalie coach, he is highly competent, he know... Tue, 21 May 2013 09:56:55 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_avalanche_effect_in_colorado_continues/13662085 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_avalanche_effect_in_colorado_continues/13662085 The Avalanche Effect in Colorado Continues http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/the_avalanche_effect_in_colorado_continues/13662085 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Former NHL goalie Patrick Roy will be named the Colorado Avalanche’s next coach, according to the Denver Post citing his brother, Stephane. “They’re discussing the final details of an arrangement. Colorado is going to be very happy. Patrick is looking for  Tue, 21 May 2013 08:50:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/patrick_roy_will_be_named_new_avalanche_coach_brother_says/13661647 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/patrick_roy_will_be_named_new_avalanche_coach_brother_says/13661647 Patrick Roy will be named new Avalanche coach, brother says http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/patrick_roy_will_be_named_new_avalanche_coach_brother_says/13661647 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8c9f7923426f05964ebafdc1b2c4cd990259802b/mini/29.jpg DENVER — The Denver Post is reporting that the brother of Patrick Roy says the Hall of Fame goalie is close to returning to the Colorado Avalanche as the team’s coach. Roy’s brother, Stephane, told the paper late Monday night, “They’re discussing the final details of an arrangement.” Stephane Roy also reportedly announced the news on his Facebook page. A phone message was left with the Avalanche. Colorado fired coach Joe Sacco on April 28 after a season in which the team finished last in the Western Conference. Soon after, the organization shook up the front office, promoting Hall of Famer Joe Sakic to executive vice president of hockey operations. Sakic and Roy helped Colorado win two Stanley Cup titles as players. Tue, 21 May 2013 08:16:20 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/report_patrick_roy_to_coach_colorado_avalanche/13661377 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/report_patrick_roy_to_coach_colorado_avalanche/13661377 Report: Patrick Roy to Coach Colorado Avalanche http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_patrick_roy_to_coach_colorado_avalanche/13661377 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/3/c35828134cd278bf877a6e0701bdb21b70f19815/mini/5606714.jpg The Denver Post is reporting the brother of Patrick Roy says the Hall of Fame goalie is close to returning to the Colorado Avalanche as the team's coach. Roy's brother, Stephane, told the paper late Monday night: ''They're discussing the final details of an arrangement.'' Stephane Roy also reportedly announced the news on his Facebook page. A phone message was left with the Avalanche. Colorado fired coach Joe Sacco on April 28 after a season in which the team finished last in the Western Conference. Soon after, the organization shook up the front office, promoting Hall of Famer Joe Sakic to executive vice president of hockey operations. Sakic and Roy helped Colorado win two Stanley Cup titles as players. Tue, 21 May 2013 02:13:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/report_patrick_roy_may_coach_avalanche/13660687 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/report_patrick_roy_may_coach_avalanche/13660687 Report: Patrick Roy may coach Avalanche http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_patrick_roy_may_coach_avalanche/13660687 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/6/d6a52a38b30fd31661fcac0dbb2ac49ea5cd0789/mini/joe-sakic-press-conference.jpg Mon dieu! Per the Denver Post's Adrian Dater: Patrick Roy will be the next coach of the Avalanche, according to Roy's brother, Stephane. "They're discussing the final details of an arrangement. Colorado is going to be very happy. Patrick is looking for a new challenge," said Stephane Roy, the younger brother of his famous sibling. The Avalanche would not confirm a deal is in place. Patrick Roy could not be reached for comment, and neither could Avalanche vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic. Stephane Roy, who played briefly in the NHL, posted on his Facebook page Monday night, "For all my friends I'd like you to know before the official news spreads that my older brother will be the new coach of the Colorado Avalanch(sic)." Continued Tue, 21 May 2013 00:18:54 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/dater_colorado_avalanche_will_name_patrick_roy_their_next_coach/13660447 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/dater_colorado_avalanche_will_name_patrick_roy_their_next_coach/13660447 Dater: Colorado Avalanche will name Patrick Roy their next coach http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/dater_colorado_avalanche_will_name_patrick_roy_their_next_coach/13660447 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png It's almost a tradition: the Avalanche fire a coach, the Avalanche's media and fans wonder if Patrick Roy will take that guy's place. Roy, you may remember, won two Stanley Cups with the Avs after leaving the Montreal Canadiens. He's a beloved, if slightly revered character around the team, much like St. Pat is with the Montreal Canadiens. The Avalanche just brought Joe Sakic in to be executive vice president of the team, solidifying a link with their successful past that - let's face it - the current team needs desperately. The Avs finished with just 39 points, second worst in the league, and will be picking first at this year's draft. Sakic has a very unenviable job ahead of him, but one that's completely do-able. In the previously linked article, the Boston Globe's Keven Paul DuPont compares Sakic's situation to that of Cam Neely's. Sea Bass fixed things in Boston; can Joe do it in Colorado? One thing Sakic and the rest of the front offi... Mon, 20 May 2013 14:01:02 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_of_speculation_will_patrick_roy_be_the_next_coach_in_colorado/13656490 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_of_speculation_will_patrick_roy_be_the_next_coach_in_colorado/13656490 Avalanche of speculation: Will Patrick Roy be the next coach in Colorado? http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avalanche_of_speculation_will_patrick_roy_be_the_next_coach_in_colorado/13656490 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/d/7dab2806864062225b599b23f10040b66f203c49/mini/Calgary_Flames_v_af74.jpg Anyone who has followed the Maple Leafs over the years has grown accustomed to certain names becoming fixtures in Toronto trade rumors. As with Eric Lindros in the late 1990’s and more recently Roberto Luongo, the name of Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny has been frequently mentioned as a possible solution for the organization’s lack of a top line center. Veteran reporter Howard Be... Mon, 20 May 2013 13:16:49 -0400 http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=51670 http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=51670 Mike Augello: Is Stastny The Solution To Leafs Center Situation? http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/mike_augello_is_stastny_the_solution_to_leafs_center_situation/13656151 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/96d5d13e52db533136f79ba6c8b98d313ee0c20d/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f91925417.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0740DC918B2A3365F34057E9EC1C5A1ACC7E78DF28B264291.jpg It's almost a tradition: the Avalanche fire a coach, the Avalanche's media and fans wonder if Patrick Roy will take that guy's place. Roy, you may remember, won two Stanley Cups with the Avs after leaving the Montreal Canadiens. He's a beloved, if slightly revered character around the team, much like St. Pat is with the Montreal Canadiens. The Avalanche just brought Joe Sakic in to be executive vice president of the team, solidifying a link with their successful past that - let's face it - the current team needs desperately. The Avs finished with just 39 points, second worst in the league, and will be picking first at this year's draft. Sakic has a very unenviable job ahead of him, but one that's completely do-able. In the previously linked article, the Boston Globe's Keven Paul DuPont compares Sakic's situation to that of Cam Neely's. Sea Bass fixed things in Boston; can Joe do it in Colorado? One thing Sakic and the rest of the front o... Mon, 20 May 2013 11:43:43 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_of_speculation_will_patrick_roy_be_the_next_coach_in_colorado/13655044 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_of_speculation_will_patrick_roy_be_the_next_coach_in_colorado/13655044 Avalanche of speculation: Will Patrick Roy be the next coach in Colorado? http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avalanche_of_speculation_will_patrick_roy_be_the_next_coach_in_colorado/13655044 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/3/c35828134cd278bf877a6e0701bdb21b70f19815/mini/5606714.jpg Teenager Logan Piz had a chance to hang out with the Stanley Cup trophy and Colorado Avalanche goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The 13-year-old Piz was completely surprised when the trophy was brought into his room Wednesday just as nurses finished drawing blood. Later, he had a surprise of his own: Joining his youth hockey team on the ice for his first practice six months. And who should join them? Giguere, of course, one of Piz's favorite players. The NHL, Discover and Make-A-Wish teamed up to grant the request of Piz, who always had a hankering to hold the trophy. But not hoist it over his head. He said that's reserved only for players who win it. Piz is being treated for a form of bone cancer. Wed, 15 May 2013 18:09:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/giguere_gives_make_a_wish_teen_a_day_to_remember/13625633 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/giguere_gives_make_a_wish_teen_a_day_to_remember/13625633 Giguere gives Make-A-Wish teen a day to remember http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/giguere_gives_make_a_wish_teen_a_day_to_remember/13625633 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/3/63fd28a8fee4143aa67109b1cdee2f1fec97397c/mini/Anaheim_Ducks_v_9ab9.jpg from the Colorado Avalanche, The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that Josh Kroenke has been named President and Joe Sakic has been named Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. Pierre Lacroix will remain with the organization as an advisor. “Beginning today, I will be assuming the responsibilities as Avalanche team President,” said Kroenke. “Having had the privilege of learning under a mentor like Pierre Lacroix, and then spending the past few seasons as Governor, I feel ready to become much more involved on a daily basis.” “I am thrilled to announce that Joe Sakic has agreed to become Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Avalanche,” continued Kroenke. “In that role, Joe will be in charge of all hockey-related decisions moving forward. With his credentials, presence and knowledge of the game, Joe will be a key ingredient in making sure that together we reach our future goals.” “A few years ago, Pierre Lacroix expressed his wish... Fri, 10 May 2013 15:08:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/colorado_avalanche_make_changes_at_the_top/13591748 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/colorado_avalanche_make_changes_at_the_top/13591748 Colorado Avalanche Make Changes At The Top http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/colorado_avalanche_make_changes_at_the_top/13591748 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8c9f7923426f05964ebafdc1b2c4cd990259802b/mini/29.jpg The Hotstove on HNIC last night gave us an update on Brian Gionta, what may happen in Colorado and Olympics talk.   Sun, 05 May 2013 09:58:03 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/joe_sakic_asked_to_take_on_an_elway_esque_position_with_the_avalanche/13553543 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/joe_sakic_asked_to_take_on_an_elway_esque_position_with_the_avalanche/13553543 Joe Sakic Asked To Take On An Elway-Esque Position With The Avalanche http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/joe_sakic_asked_to_take_on_an_elway_esque_position_with_the_avalanche/13553543 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/6/d6a52a38b30fd31661fcac0dbb2ac49ea5cd0789/mini/joe-sakic-press-conference.jpg Just how important is the 2013 NHL Draft Lottery? It can be argued, not so much. The Edmonton Oilers of the Western Conference have owned the first draft pick overall for the last three seasons. They selected Nail Yakupov, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Taylor Hall respectively with those selections. they were still unable to make the NHL playoffs. The first choice overall at this summer’s NHL Draft will go to the Colorado Avalanche as the Western Conference club won the league’s draft lottery on April 29.... Read more Sat, 04 May 2013 09:00:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_win_2013_nhl_draft_lottery_important_or_not/13549025 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_win_2013_nhl_draft_lottery_important_or_not/13549025 Avalanche win 2013 NHL Draft Lottery: Important or not? http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avalanche_win_2013_nhl_draft_lottery_important_or_not/13549025 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Not even the Colorado Avalanche could screw up the top pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.After winning the draft lottery Monday night, the Avalanche appeared set to draft stellar all-purpose defenseman Seth Jones, who currently plays for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. Jones, the son of former NBA player and assistant coach Popeye Jones, is the top-rated prospect in the draft. Oh, and he grew up in the Denver area. He is a can’t-miss pick for an Avalanche franchise that sank to the bottom of the Western Conference this season.Jones sounds ready to join his hometown team.“Nothing set in stone, but I'm very appreciative and honored,” Jones said during a television interview from Portland, Ore., where he plays for the Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. “This experience has been very amazing so far.”Rick Pracey, the Avalanche’s director of amateur scouting, told the Denver Post that his staff was still considering all of its options.“This gives us a chance to ... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:08:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/colorado_avalanche_face_obvious_choice_in_draft/13521434 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/colorado_avalanche_face_obvious_choice_in_draft/13521434 Colorado Avalanche face obvious choice in draft http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/colorado_avalanche_face_obvious_choice_in_draft/13521434 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Colorado Avalanche have fired coach Joe Sacco a day after the team missed the playoffs for the third straight season. General manager Greg Sherman says in a news release Sunday the ''organization believes a change of leadership behind the bench is needed going forward.'' Colorado never got on track in the lockout-shortened season and finished last in the Western Conference. Sacco was hired in 2009 after coaching in the minors. He preached an up-tempo style and it served the youthful Avalanche well in his first season as the team earned a postseason spot. But the team couldn't duplicate that success. Sacco will lead the U.S. squad at the world championships later this week. Sacco will even take several Avalanche players with him, including Paul Stastny and Erik Johnson. Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:36:39 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_fire_joe_sacco_as_coach/13505741 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_fire_joe_sacco_as_coach/13505741 Avalanche fire Joe Sacco as coach http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avalanche_fire_joe_sacco_as_coach/13505741 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/5/65ef070f37db4fb3cc3e7ed8d4bf78cbe25244f3/mini/New_Jersey_Devils_26c4.jpg After sinking to the bottom of the Western Conference this season, the Colorado Avalanche franchise appears headed for big changes.One obvious option this summer is moving forward Paul Stastny, who has one year and $6.6 million left on his contract. Cashiering Stastny would allow the team to extend the contract of its true No. 1 center, Matt Duchene – who has one year and $3.75 million left on his deal.The Denver Post suggests a five-year deal for $30 million to $35 million could make that happen. That sounds fair, given similar signings elsewhere in the league.The team does not want to travel down the road it did with Ryan O’Reilly, who eventually got an offer sheet from the Calgary Flames. That hostile bid, matched by Colorado, earned O’Reilly a $2.5 million signing bonus for this shortened season and a $6.5 million salary for next season.He is another player the Avalanche needs to lock in before visiting free agency. To afford that, the team should offload the disappointing Stast... Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:44:58 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/colorado_avalanche_should_trade_paul_stastny/13472785 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/colorado_avalanche_should_trade_paul_stastny/13472785 Colorado Avalanche should trade Paul Stastny http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/colorado_avalanche_should_trade_paul_stastny/13472785 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/d/4d12c69053a47a1a9f33771564da34377990214a/mini/Philadelphia_Flyers_v_9919.jpg The Colorado Avalanche have played only three games this season, but center John Mitchell looks like he is preparing for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. We’re not referring to his play, which has been solid so far with two goals and two assists through three games. We’re talking about his face. As you can see from the photo above that Mike Chambers of the Denver Post shared on Twitter, Mitchell’s face is quickly starting to look like he rolled off a jagged 40-foot cliff and somehow survived the fall. According to Chambers, the 28-year-old left Thursday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after taking a puck to the forehead on his second shift of the game. The gash required 10 stitches to close, but Mitchell was able to return to the game and score an insurance goal in the third period to put Colorado up 3-0 en route to a 4-0 victory. “I could see out of both eyes. I knew I was cut, obviously, but I could see,” Mitchell said after the game. “It’s always nice when you have a s... Sat, 26 Jan 2013 09:23:58 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_c_john_mitchells_face_has_taken_a_beating_this_season_picture/12758473 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/avalanche_c_john_mitchells_face_has_taken_a_beating_this_season_picture/12758473 Avalanche C John Mitchell’s face has taken a beating this season (Picture) http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avalanche_c_john_mitchells_face_has_taken_a_beating_this_season_picture/12758473 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/f/af528f95bbaaa70782241b296a2462f6b37013c1/mini/John-Mitchell-stitches.jpg