John Locher / Associated Press)
The Colorado Avalanche's coaching search still was in its early stages Monday.
Complicating matters is the need for the Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic to secure permission from teams to speak to coaches under contract for the upcoming 2016-17 season.
Former Avalanche coach Bob Hartley, fired after last season by Calgary, has a year remaining on his contract with the Flames. But permission is considered a sure thing there because it could lead to the Flames getting off the hook financially.
The Avs also would need to secure permission to speak to assistant coaches, including Chicago's Kevin Dineen and Pittsburgh's Jacques Martin; and to American Hockey League coaches working for NHL organizations, including Travis Green, head coach of the Utica Comets, Vancouver's affiliate.