Elliotte Friedman discussed potential changes for the Colorado Avalanche with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio. Following their four-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, questions loom regarding coaching and general manager changes.
The Avalanche’s unexpected sweep after a strong playoff record of 8-1, which included a Presidents’ Trophy win, has led to significant scrutiny. While head coach Jared Bednar is highly regarded and likely to find another coaching position quickly if let go, the team is grappling with what needs to change.
Friedman anticipates significant fallout. He recalls Joe Sakic’s intense disappointment after last year’s first-round exit and is awaiting Sakic’s tone. He believes the team needs to take a moment to process their emotions before making any decisions. Friedman suggests that the more immediate and pressing question might be concerning assistant general manager Chris MacFarland, who handles much of the day-to-day operations. While MacFarland is under contract for at least another year, Nashville is expected to request permission to speak with him. Friedman pointed to Sakic’s past actions when faced with losing MacFarland, where he denied permission and subsequently promoted him, indicating Sakic’s understanding of MacFarland’s importance.
Regarding Bednar, Friedman agrees that if he were to be dismissed, he would likely be in high demand. However, he questions whether it’s simply “time for a change,” a phenomenon that occasionally occurs in sports. He also notes the external factor of assistant coach David Carle, who is reportedly being pursued by other NHL teams, including the Maple Leafs and Kings. While Carle is not doing anything wrong, the speculation is whether circumstances might align to make him the Avalanche’s next coach.
The Colorado Avalanche are contending with an aging roster. While core players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are in their prime, veteran players like Brock Nelson, Josh Manson, Nazem Kadri, and Gabriel Landeskog are advancing in age. Despite their window of opportunity still being open, the team is getting older. Questions also persist about their goaltending situation, with the adage “if you have two goalies, do you have any goalies?” being relevant. The team also faced challenges with injured key players not being at 100 percent and a lack of consistent support from the rest of the roster.
Furthermore, the article touches on past personnel decisions by general manager Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland, including the trades of Mikko Rantanen and Bowen Byram, the departure of Samuel Girard, and letting Darcy Kuemper walk in free agency. Martin Necas’s new contract extension is also set to begin this summer. The Avalanche face numerous questions, but the author emphasizes that decisions made in haste and driven by emotion are often the worst. Colorado is expected to take its time to reflect before making any significant moves.
English Translation:
Elliotte Friedman discussed potential changes for the Colorado Avalanche with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio. Following their four-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, questions loom regarding coaching and general manager changes.
The Avalanche’s unexpected sweep after a strong playoff record of 8-1, which included a Presidents’ Trophy win, has led to significant scrutiny. While head coach Jared Bednar is highly regarded and likely to find another coaching position quickly if let go, the team is grappling with what needs to change.
Friedman anticipates significant fallout. He recalls Joe Sakic’s intense disappointment after last year’s first-round exit and is awaiting Sakic’s tone. He believes the team needs to take a moment to process their emotions before making any decisions. Friedman suggests that the more immediate and pressing question might be concerning assistant general manager Chris MacFarland, who handles much of the day-to-day operations. While MacFarland is under contract for at least another year, Nashville is expected to request permission to speak with him. Friedman pointed to Sakic’s past actions when faced with losing MacFarland, where he denied permission and subsequently promoted him, indicating Sakic’s understanding of MacFarland’s importance.
Regarding Bednar, Friedman agrees that if he were to be dismissed, he would likely be in high demand. However, he questions whether it’s simply “time for a change,” a phenomenon that occasionally occurs in sports. He also notes the external factor of assistant coach David Carle, who is reportedly being pursued by other NHL teams, including the Maple Leafs and Kings. While Carle is not doing anything wrong, the speculation is whether circumstances might align to make him the Avalanche’s next coach.
The Colorado Avalanche are contending with an aging roster. While core players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are in their prime, veteran players like Brock Nelson, Josh Manson, Nazem Kadri, and Gabriel Landeskog are advancing in age. Despite their window of opportunity still being open, the team is getting older. Questions also persist about their goaltending situation, with the adage “if you have two goalies, do you have any goalies?” being relevant. The team also faced challenges with injured key players not being at 100 percent and a lack of consistent support from the rest of the roster.
Furthermore, the article touches on past personnel decisions by general manager Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland, including the trades of Mikko Rantanen and Bowen Byram, the departure of Samuel Girard, and letting Darcy Kuemper walk in free agency. Martin Necas’s new contract extension is also set to begin this summer. The Avalanche face numerous questions, but the author emphasizes that decisions made in haste and driven by emotion are often the worst. Colorado is expected to take its time to reflect before making any significant moves.
