Colorado Avalanche: 5 Reasons For Optimism

1. Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic

May 28 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche executive of hockey operations Joe Sakic (right) and head coach Patrick Roy (center) and president Josh Kroenke (left) pose for a photo during a press conference held at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Just look at Josh Kroenke smiling away in this picture. He knows.

If I were a betting man, I’d bet on Sakic and Roy. These two guys are central figures in Avalanche history, are as passionate about hockey as anyone, and both are looking to bring a winning culture back to the Avs organization for the long haul.

Roy has shown an incredible amount of passion as a coach. He stands behind his players, and has the respect of the locker room. His most surprising trait since stepping on the bench for Colorado has been his patient demeanor. Roy hasn’t gotten worked up about the little things — instead, he focuses on the big picture. For a coach, these are all excellent traits to have, critical for success.

I wouldn’t rather have anyone else running this team right now. Roy and Sakic were winners as players. I just have a gut-feeling they will find a way to be winners in suits as well.

Sakic still seems to be getting his feet wet, and learning the ropes of being an NHL GM on the fly. What Sakic has going for him, is a tremendous amount of respect around the league. Much like John Elway has been for the Broncos, Sakic has the potential to be a recruiter of talent to the Mile High City.

Have Roy and Sakic been perfect since taking over? No. I myself have offered up criticism of some of their asset management decisions. Roy has at times seemed stubborn favoring “hard-nosed” players such as McLeod and Cliche, who offer limited offensive upside, over seemingly more talented options such as Joey Hishon.

That being said, I think these guys have a plan. I wouldn’t rather have anyone else running this team right now. Roy and Sakic were winners as players. I just have a gut-feeling they will find a way to be winners in suits as well.