(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
In the Mile High City, most of the media's attention, and that of the fans, has been directed towards the Denver Broncos. But as it turns out, the Broncos aren't the only team fighting an uphill battle in Denver.
The Colorado Avalanche are coming off a season that can only be described as the worst in their history as a Colorado franchise. Add to this a new coaching staff, and I have one heck of an offseason story to start telling.
The Avalanche organization has fared well in Colorado over the last 14 seasons, claiming ownership to nine consecutive division titles (1995-2003,) and two Stanley Cup Titles (1996 and 2001). They have done nothing but impress their loyal fans.
The 2009-2010 season is the first in which the Avs find themselves asking very serious questions of their future. Answers for some may come easy, but others remain elusive. Will the change in coaching staff be enough to alter the dismal course the team is heading down?
Will the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and Colorado's third overall pick, turn out to be a success? Will Joe Sakic wear an Avs jersey for his 21st season in the NHL? I'll do my best to answer these for you, and for myself.
On June 3, 2009, Tony Granato was released as head coach of the Avalanche, followed shortly by the release of assistant coaches Jacques Cloutier and Dave Barr, goal-tending coach Jeff Hackett, Assistant to the General Manager Michel Goulet and video coordinator PJ Deluca.
Essentially, the front offices were emptied; a story all too familiar for myself and other Denver locals.
Stepping in place of Granato the next day was Joe Sacco. The name fits.
Sacco brings an attitude of excitement and professionalism to the franchise. Although the job came as a surprise to Joe, and to myself, it's obvious in his words that he plans to take full advantage of his position in Denver.
"I wasn't expecting this job," Sacco admitted. "But, like playing, you have to be flexible when you choose coaching, and timing's got a lot to do with it. Make the most of your chances, right? And I know this is one great opportunity."
Sacco is in good company with Avalanche veterans like Adam Deadmarsh, Sylvain Lefebre, and Steve Konowalchuk joining him in the reconstructed Colorado bench. He'll need all the support he gets.
One thought that keeps spinning around my brain: With Colorado's two Stanley Cup winning coaches, Marc Crawford (1996) and Bob Hartley (2001), both available, did Pierre Lacroix really spend much time in making this decision?
It seems that if it only takes one day to find the person that will lead your professional franchise, you may have worked through your options a little too quickly. I don't believe that it's the only good choice to hire a former coach, but I'm not sure the thought even crossed Lacroix's mind.
The only argument I can present in favor of the quick decision is timing. The earlier a coach is hired, the more time he has to spend with the staff.
He also has to develop a draft plan. By evaluating his moves so far during the entry draft and free agency, it's clear that Sacco is well educated and stubbornly adjusted to the NHL's farm system. With a profusion of talented players on the market, Sacco has yet to make any real moves.
It's great that he agrees with the Avalanche's tendency to promote within, and to dig into the AHL for talent, but it's about time Greg Sherman, GM, and himself made some larger steps away from mediocrity. After all, it wasn't just the coaching staff that provided Colorado with a 69 point season in 2008-2009.
The only big change on the ice that has really impacted the team so far is the loss of alternate captain Ian LaPerriere. It seemed inevitable, LaPerriere turned downed an offer from Colorado to test the waters of unrestricted free agency. It seems he was ready to leave, and I wish him the best of luck.
Whether Sacco will flourish or fail behind the bench in Colorado remains to be seen. He'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with his new crew with training camp, rookie camp, and a normally under-the-radar preseason to go.
During this time, the main storyline to keep an eye on is the development of young Matt Duchene, Colorado's first pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
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