The Colorado Avalanche had an unexpectedly eventful mid-May Monday for a non-playoff team. The club hired a new assistant general manager in Chris MacFarland. They also decided to part ways with two of their assistant coaches – Andre Tourigny and Mario Duhamel, as reported by Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.
Current assistant GMs Craig Billington and Greg Sherman will remain in their positions with the organization.
MacFarland spent the last 16 years with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was with the ‘Jackets in their inception and has served as their assistant GM since 2008. MacFarland — who had a hand in all hockey-related concerns with Columbus — will bring valuable experience in minor-league operations, contract negotiations, scouting, and many other aspects of the job with him to Colorado.
“My role from what I have been told is heavy on the pro side and assisting Joe Sakic and complimenting the pro staff,” MacFarland told Chambers in an interview Monday night. “Craig [Billington] is a good friend of mine and does a great job, and runs the AHL side. I’m looking forward to getting in there and doing whatever they ask me to do.”
Tourigny reportedly resigned from his role as the Avs’ defensive coach to pursue a head coaching opportunity elsewhere.
Duhamel, who served as the video coach, is also leaving the organization to seek another coaching job. Both coaches made their NHL debut with the Avalanche.
Adrian Dater speculated that a former Avalanche defenseman and current defensive development consultant would be a good fit for one of the new job openings:
Look for Adam Foote to play larger role in Avs organization. Could be on bench with Roy next season
— Adrian Dater (@adater) May 19, 2015
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.