By Jordan Long
The Colorado Avalanche received surprising news yesterday. Patrick Roy, who was the Avalanche’s coach for the last three years, decided to resign. According to ESPN, Roy said in a statement, “I have thought long and hard over the course of the summer about how I might improve this team to give it the depth it needs and bring it to a higher level. To achieve this, the vision of the coach and VP-Hockey Operations needs to be perfectly aligned with that of the organization. He must also have a say in the decisions that impact the team’s performance. These conditions are not currently met.”
Patrick Roy took the Colorado Avalanche job on May 22nd, 2013. Prior to the hire, Colorado went 16-25-7 for a total of 39 points in the lockout-shortened season. The Avalanche were the second worst team in the entire NHL. Colorado was hoping with his leadership, they would once again be a contender in the NHL and in the NHL Playoffs. His first year Colorado exceeded expectations, finishing with a record of 52-22-8 for a total of 112 points and won the Central Division. In the first-round they lost to the Minnesota Wild in seven games.
The 2014-2015 season Colorado was hoping to make the playoffs yet again, but this time make a deep run. It didn’t happen as they finished last in the Central Division with a record of 39-31-12 for 90 points. They failed to make the playoffs by nine points.
Last year, Colorado missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Minnesota earned the second Wild Card spot by 5 points. One of the biggest reasons they didn’t make the playoffs was the fact they blew leads. They lost 6 games where they led going into the third period. Two of those games they went into overtime to get one point. Those games were the difference between them being a playoff team and watching the playoffs at home.
The timing for Patrick Roy to resign is poor. If he really didn’t want to coach next year, resign in June. That would have given the Avalanche plenty of time to find a new head coach. It was a little late to tell the Avalanche that he won’t be coming back. Colorado plays their first preseason game on September 27th. That is a little over a month away to conduct a coaching search. Colorado will need to find someone quickly.
There is one coach Colorado should consider for the job, Bob Hartley. Hartley was the Avalanche coach from 1998 to 2002. Colorado won four division titles with him and the Stanley Cup in 2001. Current Avalanche General Manager Joe Sakic played under him. Harley knows the high expectations in Colorado. His coaching style would improve their chances to get back to the playoffs. Colorado should make the phone call to see how much interest Hartley has in joining the Avalanche.
What do you think of Patrick Roy decision to resign and who should be the next coach of the Colorado Avalanche?
Roy obviously doesn’t believe he or the team is being supported by management or ownership. My guess is an argument recently occurred and Roy quit over it. Avs ownership is bad and they won’t be a contender until new ownership.
I think the Avs are going in the right direction. Josh Kronke knows nothing about hockey. He is a basketball guy. That is why they brought in Joe Sakic. The Avs are in good hands with Sakic. Think about Elway with the Broncos. That is what Sakic will do with the Avalanche. It will take time though.