DENVER — Chris MacFarland, general manager of the Colorado Avalanche, emphasizes a straightforward goal: winning. His roster, primarily built through trades and free agency rather than drafts, showcases his talent evaluation skills, earning him a spot as a finalist for the NHL’s GM of the year award. Despite past controversies, such as trading star winger Mikko Rantanen, the Avalanche’s recent success, including a franchise-record 121 points, reflects MacFarland’s strategic vision and resilience.
