Avs, Sakic looking to honor Pierre Lacroix this season and beyond

Before he even began taking questions from the media, Avs GM Joe Sakic wanted to make it clear that the organization will be honoring the late, great Pierre Lacroix not just this season, but in the future as well.

Sakic announced that there will be a special pre-game ceremony and moment of silence for the former Avs GM prior to the season opening matchup against the St. Louis Blues. That’s not all, as the team will wear “PL” decals all season long to honor the legend who passed away on December 13, 2020.

That’s not all, though, as Sakic believes the fans should be a part of honoring Lacroix’s legacy as well.

“It’s something that we have in the works to honoring him in the right way, and the only way to do that is with fans,” Sakic said. “Unfortunately, he won’t be there next season to be with us for that but we’re all looking forward to that in the 21-22 season when we can rightfully honor Pierre.”

And what qualities have Sakic tried to emulate from Lacroix himself?

“The one thing everybody knew about Pierre, you never knew what he was doing,” Sakic said. “He kept things close to his vest and never let too many people in on what he was trying to do, and that’s the one thing we here try and take. We feel that’s the best thing for the organization.”

For years, Sakic played on a Cup contender, so he is no stranger to the expectations around this Avalanche team. His message was that the players shouldn’t fear that pressure. Rather, they should embrace it.

“I think it’s exciting pressure,” Sakic mentioned. “That’s what you want as a player. You want to know you have the ability to try and win the Cup. I know from players, there’s nothing like being on a team that’s expecting to win. You want to come to the rink every day and work for that goal.”

Given the quotes from every Avs player this camp about accepting that the goal is to win the Stanley Cup, they seem to understand that. And that’s a good thing.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE

• Sakic made it clear they’re happy with their team and will not be picking up anyone on the waiver wire, including a possible third goaltender.
• The Avs have had conversations with Gabriel Landeskog’s agent, and are hoping to work something out during the season, but if not, both sides are content to wait until the offseason. I’m sure the uncertainty of the salary cap with the pandemic is playing a major role in this contract not being completed right now.
• Sakic refused to discuss Erik Johnson’s no-movement clause in relation to the expansion draft. No surprise there, especially given how Sakic wants to keep things “in house” with his players.
• In regards to the acquisition of Brandon Saad, Sakic said they were looking for a top-six forward and he fits the bill of how their coaching staff wants to play. Sakic said “getting him solidified our top two lines.”
• Sakic said that top prospect Bowen Byram “has come a long way” and that he’ll be able to start skating with the team on Saturday. They’re very happy with his development and once the staff feels he’s ready to play, he’ll get an opportunity. The way Sakic and Bednar have talked about Byram, it would be a real surprise if they sent him back to the WHL this year.