CENTENNIAL, Colo — One door closed for Pavel Francouz.
Another door opened.
The now-former Avalanche goaltender retired from playing after the 2022-23 season with numerous injuries. But he still had more to give. The Avs front office asked Francouz to help their goaltender scouting department for the 2024 NHL draft. Francouz accepted.
On Wednesday, to begin Avalanche development camp, he joined the coaching staff. A spot opened up when Colorado Eagles (AHL) goalies coach Peter Budaj stepped down earlier this summer.
“Even when I was on the bench, I would look at other goalies. I feel like that kind of trained my eye,” Francouz said. “That kind of makes things easier for you because you know what the goalie does. What are his strengths? You’re trying to predict their future.”
Francouz was an integral part of the Avalanche’s 2021-22 championship season. He appeared in six postseason games in relief of Darcy Kuemper (eye injury) and went 6-0-0 with a .906 save percentage. General manager Chris MacFarland said previously the Avalanche were “spoiled” with Francouz as “one of the best backups in the league” over his four seasons in Colorado.
Francouz, 34, last played for the Avalanche late in the 2022-23 season. He finished that campaign with a .915 save percentage over 16 starts.
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