Stanley Cup Champion Andrew Cogliano has called it a career. And what a career it has been. The Edmonton Oilers drafted the 37-year-old 25th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and would play for the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche. It was not until 2022 that he would reach the peak of his career as he won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche.
Thank you Cogs for continuously making an impact on and off the ice.
Congratulations on an outstanding career. pic.twitter.com/JnQCdJpYnP
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 21, 2024
Cogliano has tallied 464 points (190g/274a) in 1,294 NHL contests. He would define the role of a hardworking, middle to bottom-six forward. The Canadian would play 830 games in a row, a testament to his work ethic that was well demonstrated in Colorado.
The Iron Man often played through multiple injuries. This included the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he suffered a check into the boards, breaking a lamina in his neck. Cogliano would briefly leave the game, but returned and finished. He would then have to sit the rest of the series because of the injury.
For reference as to where the injury is on Cogliano's neck. #GoAvsGo #Avs @FullPressNHL https://t.co/2TxuBfXwqj pic.twitter.com/T9lXqi1heF
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) April 29, 2023
“The game of hockey has given me and my family so much and I am grateful for every moment,” said Cogliano. “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.”
A look back in the Burgundy and Blue ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/ZvVZrKs0XW
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 21, 2024
What is next
The gritty forward will not be going far as he will take a front office role with the Avalanche. According to the team, the role will comprise a variety of tasks. These roles will include player development, professional and amateur scouting, as well as working with the Colorado Eagles.
Conclusion
Everywhere Cogliano has gone, he has made the players and people around him better. All the Avalanche players said that Cogliano handled the rally in the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals. He talked to the entire team and got them to all calm down. He will bring this to the front office and the player development program for the Avalanche. The Avalanche will miss Cogliano on the penalty kill, but he will always be available to help.