One of the toughest guys around has decided it is time to hang up his skates. Forward Andrew Cogliano, who played for the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche during his 17-year career, is retiring, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.
But this iron man is not leaving the NHL, or Colorado for that matter. After winning a Stanley Cup championship with the Avalanche in 2022, Cogliano now looks to help the franchise return to glory from a front office position. He will “assist with player development, pro and amateur scouting, as well as their AHL club,” per Seravalli.
If the 37-year-old displays the same tenacity he did on the ice in this new role, then the future of the team should be in good standing. Cogliano proved to be a valuable midseason acquisition for the Avs in March of 2022. He recorded three goals and three assists during their title run and opted to stay in Denver for the remainder of his career.
The 2005 first-round draft pick continued to make an impact even towards the end of his final campaign, enjoying a stretch in which he scored five points in six games in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Andrew Cogliano totaled 190 goals and 274 assists in 1,294 regular season contests (played in 830 consecutive games from 2007-18).
He deserves to bask in this moment and reflect on a successful decade and a half in the NHL, but he is not done leaving his imprint on the sport.
Andrew Cogliano looks ahead to ‘new chapter' with Avalanche
Cogliano expressed complete gratitude to all of the franchises and peers he crossed paths with during his run in the league while also focusing on the experiences he is going to have with the next generation of Avalanche players.
“The game of hockey has given me and my family so much and I am grateful for every moment,” he said, per NHL.com. “I am blessed to have played for so long with some great organizations and amazing teammates. I will miss being with the guys in the dressing room and battling for each other on the ice every night but it’s time to move on. Thank you to everyone I ever played with, played for and all the great fans for all of their support. I am excited to start my new chapter in the front office.”
Colorado is determined to make another run at the Stanley Cup on the strength of its Nathan MacKinnon-led offensive attack, and by continuing to emphasize talent development, it will help ensure that this franchise and fan base does not need to wait another two decades to hold a championship parade. Although Cogliano obviously possessed ample skill, the qualities of grit and durability defined him in his playing days.
Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland is trusting him to instill those traits in the organization's forthcoming talent. He knows firsthand how much they are worth.
“On behalf of the Avalanche organization, we would like to congratulate Andrew on a fantastic NHL career,” the GM said in a statement. “He is a true pro, a fierce competitor, a great teammate and leader, and a mentor for younger players. He always set the example for the rest of the group with his hard work on and off the ice and his preparation and details. And while we will miss him on the ice, we couldn’t be more excited to have him on board with our organization in this new role. He will be an invaluable resource with his unique knowledge of the game and his many years of experience to help the next generation of Avalanche players.”
Andrew Cogliano is ready for this next undertaking. Hopefully, he will earn the fans' support, just as he did for so many years on the ice.
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