Former Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix died Sunday. He was 72.
Lacroix was the architect behind the Avs teams that won the Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001.
Here’s a look at how the world of hockey reacted to his death.
Very sad to hear this! Pierre was larger than life. I’ll always remember him welcoming me to Denver in 2011 with open arms. His fingerprints are all over the Avalanche, past & present. My thoughts go out to his entire family.
— Erik Johnson (@6ErikJohnson)
I owe so much of my career to Pierre Lacroix. From drafting me, to giving a short kid from Indiana a chance to play in the NHL. Absolutely devastating news to hear of his passing. RIP sir. You always set the example, and it was easy to follow.
— John-Michael Liles (@hoosierjm26)
The Montreal Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of former Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche GM, Pierre Lacroix. Our sincere condolences go out to Pierre's family and the Avalanche organization. Pierre was a great man admired and respected by all.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL)
A statement from Joe Sakic regarding the passing of Pierre Lacroix.
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche)
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the passing of Pierre Lacroix.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL)
Itap with great sadness that I just learned the passing of Pierre Lacroix. I want to offer my condolences to his family and the
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva)
Very saddened to hear of the passing of former GM Pierre LaCroix. He made an annual habit of making the biggest and boldest move at the trade deadline, or before, and was truly the architect of all those elite Avs teams. Gone way too young…
— Drew Goodman (@DrewGoodman42)
Pierre Lacroix – former GM – passed away at the age of 72.
He did things GM's only hope to do. He dared to be bold. He microwaved a championship team in Colorado and then sustained it for a decade.
Hard to get into this Broncos game.
Sorry— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi)
https://twitter.com/chris_wiger/status/1338219518020075521
