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Here’s why Avs fans should be optimistic

Matt Duchene

Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene, left, celebrates after his third goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, in Dallas. The Dallas Stars won 7-6 in overtime. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

AP

Joe Sakic is in charge now

How he’ll do in his new role ‘in charge of all hockey-related decisions’ remains to be seen; not all ex-NHL stars have been successful in management. But the fact Sakic believes ownership is “committed to this franchise and want us to get back to where we used to be” says something. Remember, Sakic didn’t need to take this job. That ownership, which has been accused of neglecting the hockey part of its sports-business empire, cared enough to pursue him may also say something about its desire to start filling the rink again. Because the only way that’s going to happen is with more wins. That said, don’t expect Sakic to get a blank checkbook. New team president Josh Kroenke -- the son of owner Stan Kroenke -- said today the Avs wouldn’t be spending just to spend.

Young talent down the middle

Sakic stated a bit of the obvious today when he said the key to winning is having great players. But it still needed to be said. A team can have a great owner, great GM and great coach, but if the players aren’t there, there’s no hope. Fortunately, the Avs have two very good young centers in Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly, and no championship team lacks talent down the middle. In fact, that’s often where it starts. Whether Paul Stastny fits into their plans going forward will be worth watching. The 27-year-old has one year remaining on his contract, with a cap hit of $6.6 million. His production the last few seasons hasn’t been worth the price.

The first overall pick in the 2013 draft

What do this year’s three Hart Trophy finalists all have in common? All were chosen first overall. The Avs’ first pick will likely be used to select Portland Winterhawks defenseman Seth Jones. Not only is Jones thought by many to be the best player available, Colorado’s back end was a major issue again in 2013. Too many scoring chances were surrendered and not enough offense was generated. Jones might not be able to turn things around right away; however, when you consider the impact puck-moving blue-liners like Erik Karlsson and PK Subban have made at a young age, it might not take long. (Yes, we realize Erik Johnson went first overall. They don’t all turn into superstars, but a lot of them do.)

A new coach on the way

It’s pretty clear there was some dysfunction in Colorado under recently fired Joe Sacco’s watch. Before he hires a new bench boss, Sakic would be wise to find out what really was going on, and who was to blame. Maybe Sakic needs to ship out some players. (We doubt Jean-Sebastien Giguere would mind sharing his thoughts.) Two questions Sakic will need to ask and answer before he picks his coach: What kind of style should the Avs play? Does the team need a fresh voice (think Adam Oates), or does it need a steady, experienced hand (think Ken Hitchcock)?