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What might be next for Patrick Roy?

Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL- DECEMBER 4: Former Montreal Canadiens Serge Savard hands a puck to Patrick Roy during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 5-1. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

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There has been plenty of speculation regarding where the Colorado Avalanche’s sudden coaching search might lead, and with good reason. They basically were thrown a ticking time bomb when Patrick Roy abruptly resigned.

What about the future for Roy himself, though?

We’ve already discussed how the NHL’s coaching ranks will be less entertaining without the fiery Hall of Fame goalie behind a bench ... but maybe he won’t be out of work that long.

ESPN’s Scott Burnside posits as much, naming three potential destinations, in particular:


  • Quebec City, if they end up getting a team.
  • Las Vegas, noting that Roy carries some name value in a place where flash matters:

Or what about the new team in Las Vegas? That team could use a coach with experience and a big profile. Roy’s profile might be more valuable than his coaching acumen, but his potential presence with an expansion franchise can’t be ignored, at least if only for discussion purposes, by new Vegas GM George McPhee.


  • Montreal, for fairly obvious reasons (embattled Michel Therrien, Roy’s fame in the area, maybe unscientific views about how Roy would work with Carey Price ...)

From a trouble-making blogger’s perspective, Roy’s return would be welcome. Just imagine the weird tension in the air when he returns to Colorado.

It might not be so much fun to watch for fans of a possible Roy team, though.

High risk for what reward?

For one thing, if he really does have a thirst for control, it makes him a tougher hire. Sportsnet’s Mark Spector ranks among those mentioning as much.

What GM would want a coach who demands a weighty say in all personnel issues? And what coach, considering the tepid success Roy has had at the NHL level, would want to divide his own attention that way?

Spector used the term “radioactive” in describing Roy, and how could a team totally ignore the way he burned bridges in Colorado?

Even if you think he has the makings of a great coach - hugely debatable, but this summer’s hockey trades exposes that there remain plenty of differing opinions about the sport - Roy left town at a really inopportune time.

You can ignore the notorious Montreal blowup. This flight is harder to justify; it wasn’t in the heat of battle and it comes when the Avalanche are at a hiring disadvantage.

What happens if the chips are down in Montreal, Las Vegas or even Quebec City? A team would likely wait for the other shoe to drop with Roy.

That’s some scintillating drama, as long as it doesn’t come to your team.