Pierre Lacroix (ice hockey, born 1948)
Pierre Lacroix is the former President and General Manager of the Colorado Avalanche, building teams that won two Stanley Cups during his tenure. He is known for his astute trades, such as his acquisition of Patrick Roy during the 1995–96 NHL season that led to a Cup that season and his trades for star defensemen Ray Bourque during the 1999–2000 NHL season and Rob Blake during the 2000–01 NHL season that also led to a Stanley Cup in 2001.
Lacroix became president and general manager of the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, and followed the team to Denver a year later.
On March 8, 2006, a day before the NHL trade deadline, Pierre Lacroix traded goalie David Aebischer for 2002 Hart and Vezina trophy winner José Théodore. This trade was criticized in the local media at the time because Théodore was having a very bad season and was injured at the time of the trade. This criticism from media and fans continued at varying degrees throughout Théodore's short tenure with the Avalanche.
On May 12, 2006, Lacroix announced that he would be giving up his general manager duties and focusing solely on a new role as team president.
On April 8, 2008, Lacroix was inducted to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Colorado Avalanche organization.
On May 10, 2013, Lacroix announced that he was stepping down as President and will serve in an advisory role for the club.
He is the father of former NHL player Eric Lacroix.
