09/14/26 12:41:00
Printable Page
09/14 12:40 CDT Joe Sakic plans to indefinitely stay in GM role for Avs with no
search scheduled, AP source says
Joe Sakic plans to indefinitely stay in GM role for Avs with no search
scheduled, AP source says
By PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP) --- Joe Sakic will remain in the role of general
manager for the Colorado Avalanche indefinitely with no search scheduled, a
person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
Already the president of hockey operations, Sakic added the title of GM in June
when the Nashville Predators hired away Chris MacFarland to lead their front
office. The person spoke of Sakic's dual responsibilities on condition of
anonymity because the team hasn't announced the decision.
Sakic was the architect behind building the Avalanche squad that captured the
2022 Stanley Cup title. He turned the responsibilities over to MacFarland soon
after the celebratory parade that summer. It's a position MacFarland held until
the Predators made him their president of hockey operations/general manager.
As a player, Sakic led the Avalanche to Stanley Cup titles in 1996 --- their
first season in Denver --- and 2001. The Hall of Fame forward is the only one
in league history to win a title as a captain and GM with the same franchise.
It's been a busy offseason for Sakic that's included several trades with
MacFarland ( Ross Colton was sent to the Predators and later Jack Drury ).
Sakic created quite a bit of buzz around the league in late August by making
standout defenseman Cale Makar the highest paid player in NHL history. Makar, a
two-time Norris Trophy winner, signed a $163.2 million, eight-year extension
that kicks in next season. As a way to free up space to negotiate the
extension, Sakic dealt Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for draft
picks.
Colorado is coming off a season in which the team won the Presidents' Trophy
with the best record in hockey before being swept by Vegas in the Western
Conference Final. Among the moves made by Sakic was bringing in forward Jaden
Schwartz on a three-year contract. Schwartz had 11 goals and 15 assists over 50
games with the Seattle Kraken last season.
The Avalanche assembled Monday for a charity golf tournament. They start
training camp later this week.
"A very talented group," Schwartz said of the Avalanche before teeing off.
"They're a team that's been up there in the standings every year and have a
good chance every year. I feel pretty fortunate to be part of it now."
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL
|
