In a monumental announcement, Colorado president Joe Sakic has officially declared that Patrick Roy, the former coach and long-time face of the Avalanche, will return to the organization in 2025 as a co-owner and executive partner.
Denver, CO — August 18, 2025
In a move that has electrified the hockey world, the Colorado Avalanche have welcomed back one of the most iconic figures in franchise history. Patrick Roy, the Hall of Fame goaltender and former head coach, has been officially named a co-owner and executive partner of the team. The announcement was made earlier today by Avalanche President of Hockey Operations, Joe Sakic, during a packed press conference at Ball Arena.
Roy, who last coached the Avalanche from 2013 to 2016, is no stranger to Denver fans. His legendary tenure as a player — which included leading the team to two Stanley Cup titles in 1996 and 2001 — cemented his status as not only a franchise legend, but also as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.
“Patrick has always embodied the spirit of the Avalanche — fierce, competitive, and committed to excellence,” said Sakic. “Bringing him back to the organization in this capacity is not just a reunion; it’s a powerful step toward shaping our future.”
As a co-owner, Roy will take on a multifaceted role. While full details are still emerging, Sakic confirmed that Roy will have an active voice in executive-level decisions, player development, and community outreach. Roy is expected to work closely with the front office and hockey operations department, lending his experience both behind the bench and between the pipes.
A Full-Circle Moment
This return marks a full-circle moment in Roy’s storied career. After retiring as a player in 2003, Roy found success as a head coach in junior hockey before taking the reins of the Avalanche in 2013. In his very first season as coach, he won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year, leading a young Avs team to a 112-point season.
Though his coaching stint ended in 2016 amid philosophical differences with management, the mutual respect between Roy and Sakic remained. The two former teammates, who once shared the ice during the Avalanche’s glory years, now find themselves reunited at the helm of the franchise they helped build.
A New Era in Colorado
Roy’s return comes at a time when the Avalanche are looking to build upon recent successes, including their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. With a strong core of players and a deep prospect pool, Roy’s presence adds another layer of ambition and hockey intelligence to an already elite organization.
“I’m honored to be back in Colorado, this time in a new role,” Roy said at the press conference. “This team means everything to me, and I’m excited to help shape the future while honoring the legacy we’ve built over the years.”
Fans across Colorado and the NHL at large have erupted with excitement, with social media flooded with messages of support and nostalgia. Jerseys bearing Roy’s legendary No. 33 are once again flying off the shelves.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on Denver, where an Avalanche legend is once again stepping into the spotlight — this time, from the owner’s box.
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