Joe Sakic, the Hall of Fame forward who helped the Colorado Avalanche capture two Stanley Cups, laced up his skates for an alumni game that doubled as a tribute to the late Claude Lemieux. The evening, held in Denver, featured Sakic scoring early after a crisp pass from Milan Hejduk, a moment that sparked cheers from a crowd reminded of the franchise’s golden era.
The game was more than nostalgia; it served as a platform for Sakic to reconnect with his former linemates and to signal his continued involvement in the organization’s hockey operations. Peter Forsberg, another Cup‑winning veteran, attended despite lingering foot problems, expressing hope that he could still contribute if called upon.
Bednar's Final Chapter
Head coach Jared Bednar, now in the last year of his contract, is preparing the team for another deep playoff run after guiding the Avalanche to a championship in 2022. The club finished the previous season with the league’s best regular‑season record but fell in the Western Conference Finals, a loss that has only intensified the urgency to retain key talent.
Central to those plans is Cale Makar, the two‑time Norris Trophy defenseman whose 20‑goal, 59‑assist season placed him among the league’s elite. Sakic, now a front‑office executive, has been actively negotiating a contract extension to keep Makar in Denver long term, describing the discussions as productive and moving forward.
To create cap space for Makar’s potential deal, the Avalanche executed a trade that sent Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The move underscores the front office’s willingness to reshape the roster while maintaining a competitive edge. Sakic’s optimism about finalizing Makar’s agreement before training camp reflects a broader confidence in the team’s direction.