The Colorado Avalanche could serve as a model rebuild for NHL franchises looking to go from the bottom-dwellers to champions. Just a few years ago, the Avs were a total nightmare, yet the work from the front office and the players on the ice have resulted in the birth of a potential dynasty. As a reward for winning the Stanley Cup this season, Avs legend Joe Sakic has been promoted to a new role in the organization, taking over as President of Hockey Operations, per Peter Baugh. 

That's not the only big move taking place in  Colorado's front office. Chris MacFarland is also receiving a promotion, moving up to take over the general manager role after Sakic's promotion.

These are vital moves for the Avalanche. While the players on the ice are largely responsible for getting the job done, the incredible team-building talent that Sakic and MacFarland displayed during the Avs' rise to the top is impossible to ignore.

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Sakic, who won the NHL's GM of the Year award, gave much of the credit to his right-hand man in MacFarland. Clearly, it was a priority for the Avs to lock down the two executives to new roles, ensuring they wouldn't leave during the offseason.

MacFarland had reportedly been generating interest from other teams looking to bring him as a possible GM, but the Avs just poured cold water on any chance of that happening by rewarding him with the position in Colorado.

Sakic and MacFarland will now continue constructing a roster they feel has what it takes to run it back as Stanley Cup champs in 2022-23.