Patrick Roy Reflects on Abrupt Resignation From Avalanche

It’s been nearly seven years since Patrick Roy abruptly quit as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

On Friday, for perhaps the first time, he spoke about his resignation from the Avalanche. In an interview with NHL.com, the 57 year old said he wants to be a head coach in the NHL again, but his exit from Colorado has made that difficult.

“I know I made some bad choices,” Roy said. “I know the way I left, everything I did, could have an effect on today’s perspective on myself. I have to live with that. I know that I’ve learned from my mistakes. The past is the past but sometimes, you have to live with your past. I understand the situation.”

Roy is saying all the right things at the moment, but keep in mind, he’s also trying to get himself an NHL job. It’s interesting to note that he acknowledges that being both a head coach and general manager at the NHL level is not sustainable.

“I understand now, better than ever, that you can’t be in management and coach a team at the same time,” Roy said.

This is perhaps his last chance to get an NHL coaching job. Fresh off winning a Memorial Cup Championship, his stock may never be higher. There are only a few jobs available, but he has been linked to the Ottawa Senators job whenever they settle on a new ownership group.

It was an extensive interview, where Roy talked not only about coaching, but looked back on his playing days in the NHL. I highly recommend giving it a read.

As I’ve mentioned before, the NHL is more fun with him in it. I hope he gets a coaching job, but not sure I’d want him running my team. However, coaches, like everyone else, can grow and evolve.

Everyone deserves a second chance…