Mile High Sticking
Fansided

Patrick Roy and Colorado Avalanche Team Structure

By Nadia Archuleta

Jan 18, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy reacts during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy reacts during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
colorado avalanche
Nov 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is congratulated for his power play goal by center Carl Soderberg (34) and defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) and left wing Alex Tanguay (40) and right wing Jarome Iginla (12) in the first period agains the New York Rangers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Leadership

At the 2014 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche used their first-round draft pick to select Conner Bleackley, a prospect especially known for his leadership abilities. This is no accident — Patrick Roy places a high value on leadership in his locker room and on the ice.

Coach Roy appreciates veteran players who can mentor the youngsters. This comes through in his line combinations as well. For example, coach Roy talked about placing an aging — and at the time slumping — Alex Tanguay on a line with wonder-kid Nathan MacKinnon during a Fan Morning Show interview:

"“Nate likes to play with Alex. He likes the fact that Alex has great vision, moves the puck well, and I have no problem with that. Sometimes you’re looking at the fit, and I think Alex is a good fit for MacKinnon.”"

Tanguay is a good fit for MacKinnon because he has the hockey smarts and veteran status to teach the youngster.

We saw this with last season’s pairing of Nick Holden with Brad Stuart. At the time coach Roy said specifically that he wanted Stuart to “teach” Holden, to help develop the relatively green defenseman. He even remarked on his desire for Johnson to learn from Beauchemin.

Next: Compete Level

Home/All-Time Lists