Forward Andrew Cogliano announced his retirement and new role in the front office with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday.
“The game of hockey has given me and my family so much and I am grateful for every moment,” Cogliano said. “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.”
The 37-year-old earned 464 points in 1,294 regular-season games over 17 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Avalanche. He hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Avs in 2022, and said this season's team had the potential to do so again.
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"Our guys that are here, top guys you’re not going to find top guys like we have. I think we’re so disappointed because we feel every year is a chance to win," Cogliano said after the final loss of the postseason to the Dallas Stars on May 18. "This team could be one of the best teams in the league if not the best. We’re playing the best in Dallas. We felt if we could get by them, we’d feel good about ourselves heading into the next series."
Cogliano was not only a hard-working, dedicated player, but he was also an important leader on and off the ice. His guidance helped new teammates get acquainted with the systems and structure, and was part of the leadership group that drove the team.
"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," GM Chris MacFarland said. "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.”
Cogliano said he would determine what his next steps were after the season ended. His priority was to spend time with his family and figure it out in the offseason.
"I'll assess and see what happens. I have three girls at home and family that obviously focus on first and foremost but we'll see," Cogliano said. "At the end of the day, you play your best — I thought I had a good year, I thought I gave it all I had for myself, individually, but sometimes your decision isn't what's made, it's what you're told in this league. So we'll see how things go."
The Toronto native will be wearing a few different hats with the Avs including player development and professional and amateur scouting. He will also have a role with the American Hockey League's Colorado Eagles, according to the Avalanche organization.
Cogliano's extensive NHL career
The Oilers selected Cogliano in the first round (25th overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft. He spent his first four seasons (2007-11) in Edmonton before he signed a contract with the Anaheim Ducks, where he remained for eight seasons. He achieved an 830-game ironman streak from Oct. 4, 2007 to Jan. 13, 2018, which was the fourth-longest streak in NHL history at the time.
Cogliano spent parts of three seasons from 2018-19 to 2020-21 with the Stars and played 54 games with the Sharks in 2021-22. He joined the Avalanche at the trade deadline on March 21, 2022.
In 172 regular-season games with the Avs, Cogliano earned 39 points (16g/23a) and added 11 points (3g/8a) in 31 playoff games.
Cogliano only missed 27 regular-season games of the 1,321 possible in his lengthy career. He battled through several injuries including a fractured neck during the 2022-23 playoffs against the Seattle Kraken.
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