According to Corey Masisak of the Denver Post, Joe Sakic will remain the General Manager of the Colorado Avalanche. News broke early on Monday morning that the Hall of Fame player will remain at his post. The loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals is what “reinvigorated” him to stay in the position. Sakic had said at the end of the season that he would remain as GM through the draft and free agency.

Not his first time

This will not be Sakic’s first time around the block, as many Avs fans already know. Sakic was the GM for the Avalanche from 2014 to 2022. It was at this time that the former captain gave the reins to Assistant GM Chris MacFarland after their Stanley Cup victory. Sakic took a bigger role as the President of Hockey Operations, while MacFarland took over the GM role. It was always a joke with fans that if Sakic was calling, never pick up because he made that great of trades.

October 1, 2009; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche former center Joe Sakic (19) with his wife Debbie Sakic and his three children unveil his jersey banner during his jersey retirement ceremony before the game against the San Jose Sharks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

As a player for the organization, Sakic played 20 seasons for the Quebec Nordiques and the Avalanche. He was captain in 17 of the 20 seasons for the franchise. He won two Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001, beating the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils. His 1,641 total points lead the franchise, with Nathan MacKinnon hot on his tail.

Why he came back

Earlier in the summer, now-former GM Chris MacFarland moved on to the Nashville Predators. MacFarland not only moved teams, but added a title to his resume. Besides becoming the GM in Nashville, he also became their President of Hockey Operations. MacFarland has had some trouble letting go of Colorado, making several deals with Sakic since the move.

Either way, this is an exciting time for Avalanche fans. Sakic built a team from nothing with the help of Jared Bednar and won their first Stanley Cup in 21 years. No one knows the organization like Sakic does. Especially after he has been involved with the team since 1988.