Sakic and Roy To Take Over Avs?

The 2013 edition of the Colorado Avalanche have been simply abhorrent. Going into the season many thought that the Avs were finally on the uptick after 4 years of rebuilding on the fly by GM Greg Sherman, yet they sit dead last in the West with two weeks to go and look to be one of the favorites for the first pick in the draft this summer. The finger of blame has been pointed by many around the organization, from veteran goalie J.S. Giguere saying his teammates were "more worried about their trip to Vegas" than putting in an effort every night, to local media calling for the head of coach Joe Sacco on a plate. New captain Gabriel Landeskog has had a very tough year, with only 15 points compared to 52 as a rookie last season and looks like the captaincy weighs heavy on him. Former first overall pick Erik Johnson looks like anything but, with zero goals and just 4 assists through 30 games this season while fighting injuries (again). And the list goes on...

The fans have had enough. For a team that sold out every game from 1995 to 2006, they currently sit 26th in league attendance (they would be 27th, but the building in Winnipeg is just too small). So the fans are angry, the players are angry, the local media is angry and what's to be done?

Ultimately, only so much blame can be put on the players, and many people are looking to the higher-ups in the organization as the cause of it all. If the Avalanche are to have any hope of righting the ship, it seems as though Sherman won't be the one to do it. The team has only made the playoffs once under his leadership and the future looks no brighter now than it did when he came aboard.

All this has naturally led to people around the league whispering two names: Sakic and Roy. Since his retirement in 2009, Hall of Famer Joe Sakic has been quietly working behind the scenes for the organization in his role as Executive Advisor and Alternate Board Member. Citing his reluctance to take on a full time role in favor of spending time with his family, he seems content with his current position. However if Sherman is to go, many can think of no more suitable replacement than Sakic.

If Sakic does get the job, it seems logical by many that former legendary Avs goalie Patrick Roy could come in beside him, either in the press box or behind the bench. After Roy retired he took over as GM and coach of the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts and led them to a Memorial Cup championship. Since 2009 Roy has been rumored to be coming back to the Avs but Sherman has stuck with Sacco. It seems very likely though that if Sherman is out the door, his coach will surely go with him.

In the end, all these rumors may end up being little more than nostalgia. A desire to return to the glory days when the Avs won 2 Stanley Cups with Sakic and Roy leading the way. It doesn't always work out, look at what's happening in Edmonton right now for proof. One thing is certain though, the winds of change will be blowing through Denver this summer, and with the pedigree that Sakic and Roy have, many are left to wonder and hope about what could be.

Snap Shots:

• After his recent offensive explosion, does Captials winger Alex Ovechkin have a chance to make a serious run for the Hart trophy as league MVP. Coach Adam Oates certainly thinks so, saying "Yup, absolutely" when asked that same question. 
• Huge game for the Jet's Andrew Ladd last night, as the captain netted two goals and the shootout winner to help keep the playoff dream alive in Winnipeg. With only 6 games to go, the Jets sit even in points with the New York Rangers for the final playoff seed in the East. Playoff hockey back in Winnipeg would be simply amazing. 
• Meanwhile the New York Islanders also maintained their charge for a return to playoff hockey with a 5-2 win over Florida last night. Michael Grabner led the way with 2 goals and the Isles now sit 3 points ahead of those same Rangers and Jets.
• New Flyers goalie Steve Mason seems to have found new life since coming over from Columbus, getting his first win last night and looking very good doing so, picking up 38 saves. Well, I guess that's it for Bryz then.
• As always, thank you for reading and please comment or share if you like the content here at WAAP. Today's gif is brought to you Blues captain David Backes showing Canuck Zack Kassian what he thinks of his hairstyle. Reading lips is fun!