Joe Sakic takes over hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche

The bad news for Colorado Avalanche fans: Greg Sherman is still the general manager of a team that’s failed to make the playoff for three straight seasons and cost head coach Joe Sacco his job.

The good news: He really in charge of anything anymore, and is going to have to answer to Joe Sakic.

The Avalanche on Friday announced a reshuffling their front office that saw the most popular player in franchise history (sorry, Chris Gratton) play a much more prominent role in its decision making.

From the Avs:

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that Josh Kroenke has been named President and Joe Sakic has been named Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. Pierre Lacroix will remain with the organization as an advisor.

“Beginning today, I will be assuming the responsibilities as Avalanche team President,” said Kroenke. “Having had the privilege of learning under a mentor like Pierre Lacroix, and then spending the past few seasons as Governor, I feel ready to become much more involved on a daily basis.”

“I am thrilled to announce that Joe Sakic has agreed to become Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Avalanche,” continued Kroenke. “In that role, Joe will be in charge of all hockey-related decisions moving forward. With his credentials, presence and knowledge of the game, Joe will be a key ingredient in making sure that together we reach our future goals.”

The Avs said that “Sherman will continue to be in charge of contract negotiations and be the Avalanche’s contact with the league office and its member teams.” No word if he’ll also be responsible for getting Sakic’s lunch and/or dry cleaning, going forward ...

So the Avalanche have their John Elway. And for a fan base that’s sick of watching this franchise flail about, handing the keys to a living legend can’t be bad from a marketing perspective.