Colorado Avalanche Franchise Profile
Founded: 1972 in World Hockey Association. Joined NHL in 1979.
Formerly known as: Quebec Nordiques (1972-1995)
Arena: Pepsi Center
Stanley Cups: 2
1996, 2001
Colorado Avalanche Retired Numbers:
33 Patrick Roy
77 Ray Bourque
19 Joe Sakic
Colorado Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques Hockey Hall of Fame Members:
Michel Goulet
Guy Lafleur
Guy Lapointe
Jacques Plante
Peter Stastny
Jari Kurri
Bryan Trottier
Patrick Roy
Ray Bourque
2009-10 Avalanche Season Preview:
This off-season launched the Avalanche into full rebuilding mode, with the retirement of Joe Sakic, the Ryan Smyth trade, and a turnover in the front office.
That means a lot of short-term pain, and this season is sure to be a painful one for Avalanche fans, so accustomed to success.
Beyond Paul Stastny and Milan Hejduk, Colorado has almost no reliable production at forward.
The defence looks better, with a handful of adequate NHL players. But they won’t contribute much to the attack, and the goaltending behind them is suspect, though the addition of career back-up Craig Anderson should be an upgrade.
It will be a very long year and a harsh test for rookie coach Joe Sacco and rookie general manager Greg Sherman.
Colorado acquired a big piece of its future at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, taking center Matt Duchene third overall. Another top prospect will likely join the fold in 2010, as Colorado should be in line for another top-three draft pick.
Prediction: 14th in the West
