Colorado Avalanche: News from around the NHL May 27, 2014

Trotz has found a new club to lead.

After missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years, the Washington Capitals hired former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz and promoted Brian MacLellan to general manager on Monday.

Trotz was the Predators’ coach for 15 seasons before being dropped from the job in April. In Washington, he takes over for Adam Oates, who was fired last month with a season left on his three-year deal.

MacLellan replaces George McPhee, whose contract was not renewed after 17 seasons with the Capitals.

In the team’s press release announcing Monday’s moves, owner Ted Leonsis said Trotz was "the only coach we coveted" and called him "an ideal fit to help lead our club."

Slowly other media is picking up on what a lot of Colorado Avalanche fans already knew: Giguere is getting ready to retire.

Veteran NHL goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere appears ready to put away his pads.

Giguere hasn't formalized his retirement yet, but expect the announcement to be made in mid-June.

"I do not see a reason to remain in the league," Giguere said. "I just want to be sure to do it right, to meet my agent Bob Sauve and talk to the Players Association."

The 37-year-old, who has been with the Colorado Avalanche since 2011, is no longer part of the team's future.

While backing up starting goaltender Semyon Varlamov, Giguere posted a solid 11-6-1 record, 2.62 goals-against average and .913 save percentage last season.

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Hockey great Ray Bourque has also felt cancer’s sting. He lost both his mother and his father to the disease.

The long-time Boston Bruins defencemen, who hung up his skates after winning a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, headlines the list of celebrities taking part in the Capital Honda Face-Off Against Cancer weekend hockey tournament Sept. 5-7 at the Cari Complex in Charlottetown.

“For those fighting cancer every day, it’s a constant struggle,’’ said Bourque in a statement. “That’s why I hope Islanders will come out and join a team.’’

The fundraiser will provide Islanders the opportunity to share a weekend with hockey legends and celebrities, including the likes of Bobby MacMillan, Forbie Kennedy, Errol Thompson, Al MacAdam, Don MacAdam, David Ling, Dave “Tucker’’ Flanagan, Brett Gallant and Freddy MacDonald.