The Avalanche announced about an hour ago that they'd "relieved" executive VP/general manager Francois Giguere of his duties after just three years in the big seat.

And I wonder how long it'll take to undo what's been done.

Colorado's performance the past two seasons was certainly affected by injuries, but some of Giguere's personnel decisions were mind-boggling. How on earth could any GM make the mistake of signing not only Andrew Raycroft but also Darcy Tucker after the years they had in Toronto in 2007-08? Monster contracts for Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan? A team that finished close to dead last and has $44-million committed to the cap next season even without Joe Sakic's contract?

Yikes.

Here's Avalanche president, alternate governor and former GM Pierre Lacroix on the need for a new management structure in Denver:

"The results of this season are unacceptable. We feel a new direction is needed which re-emphasizes those standards of excellence our fans have grown accustomed to since 1995. We will work diligently towards reclaiming our identity that made our brand so special and unique.

"We are too proud of what we have accomplished in this market to ignore where we are and what happened in just a very short period of time. Ownership and the dedicated Avalanche fans throughout the region deserve better results.

"The immediate future of this franchise is my primary concern so it was important to act now and start the process of restoring this franchise to where it belongs."

I've yet to hear a plausible scenario for someone taking over in Colorado, but Giguere's ouster doesn't bode well for Tony Granato behind the bench. All signs point to Patrick Roy coming in as coach in the near future, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he has some input as to who wears the GMs cap.

Time for a new era in Denver — this one didn't go so well.