More NHL Playoffs: Scores | TV Schedule | Expert Picks | Odds | Mock Draft | Rumors
The Colorado Avalanche continue to explore the possibilities to replace head coach Joe Sacco and one name is resurfacing as a serious candidate: Patrick Roy.
According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, Roy is a "strong candidate" to replace Sacco.
The former Avs goaltender has been coaching in the junior ranks for years, leading the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. He has not only been their coach but their general manager as well. His name has come up a few times in connection with the Avalanche as well as the Canadiens last year -- his other former NHL team -- but all along he has stayed in Quebec.
Roy was approached by the Avalanche in 2009 before Sacco was hired to take the position, turning it down at the time citing family reasons. Now, four years later, it could prove to be a better time for Roy to make the jump, and what better franchise to do it with than one he won a couple of Stanley Cups with?
In addition to Roy, there have been some suggestions that the Avalanche might be interested in Phoenix coach Dave Tippett should he not get a new deal with the Coyotes.
Joe Sakic, a former teammate of Roy with the Avs, took over a more prominent role with the orgnization earlier this offseason, taking on the title of president of hockey operations. He has stated that the Avs are in no rush to hire a replacement for Sacco, but if Roy is the guy they want and he says yes then it could happen quickly.
