Report: Joe Sakic to remain Avalanche GM; no search happening

It looks like the big man is staying at the helm.

According to multiple reports, Joe Sakic is set to remain as general manager of the Colorado Avalanche.

Sakic took over as interim GM after Chris MacFarland left the franchise, having held the GM position for four years earlier this offseason. The Nashville Predators hired MacFarland as GM and president of hockey operations, taking over for Barry Trotz.

Per reports, a search was planned for a new replacement as GM of the Avalanche, but it was later nixxed after Sakic was reportedly “reinvigorated” after the team fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in a four-game sweep in the Western Conference Final this past spring. This, after Colorado had an incredible regular season, claiming the franchise’s first Presidents’ Trophy in five years, and waltzing its way through the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Burnaby, B.C. native has been part of the Avalanche’s front office since 2011, when he was an alternative governor. He became the GM in 2014, after being named executive vice president of hockey operations the year prior. He held both roles through the 2021-22 season, when he put together a team that won the team’s third Stanley Cup, and the first since 2001.

From there, Sakic was promoted to president of hockey operations, overseeing MacFarland as the Avs have remained one of the best teams in the NHL. However, the Avs have been unable to reach the pinnacle since Sakic’s first term as GM ended, winning only three playoff series over the past four seasons.