Full Breakdown
Joe Sakic Remains Avalanche General Manager Indefinitely
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Front-Office Moves and Player Transactions
A source with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that the Colorado Avalanche have decided not to conduct a search for a new general manager, leaving Joe Sakic in the role indefinitely. Sakic, already president of hockey operations, assumed the GM title in June after the Nashville Predators hired former Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland. Since taking on the dual responsibilities, Sakic has overseen several notable trades, including sending Ross Colton and later Jack Drury to Nashville, and dealing Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for draft picks. He also added forward Jaden Schwartz on a three-year contract after Schwartz posted 11 goals and 15 assists in 50 games with the Seattle Kraken last season.
Team Performance and Recent Contracts
The Avalanche entered the most recent season as the league’s top regular-season team, capturing the Presidents’ Trophy for the best record. Their postseason run ended with a four-game sweep by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference final. During the offseason, Sakic negotiated a historic extension for defenseman Cale Makar, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history with a $163.2 million, eight-year deal that begins next season.
Background on Sakic’s Front-Office Tenure
Sakic, a Burnaby, B.C. native, has been part of the Avalanche organization since 2011, initially serving as an alternate governor. He became general manager in 2014 after a year as executive vice president of hockey operations. In that capacity, he built the roster that won the franchise’s third Stanley Cup in 2022, the first since 2001. After the 2022 championship, he was promoted to president of hockey operations, overseeing MacFarland until the latter’s departure.
Outlook for Colorado
Keeping Sakic at the helm signals continuity for a club that has consistently been near the top of the standings. The combination of a stable front office, the record-setting Makar contract, and recent roster additions positions the Avalanche to remain a perennial contender as training camp approaches.