SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Granato was an assistant for the team last season under head coach Joel Quenneville, who was fired after the Avalanche went 44-31-7 and was swept by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the playoffs.

Granato coached Colorado for parts of two seasons from 2002-04, building a 72-33-17 record. The Avalanche made the playoffs both seasons under Granato. Overall, he has been with the team for six seasons.

Avalanche General Manager Francois Giguere said Thursday that Granato had gained tremendous coaching experience while behind the Colorado bench.

I'm excited about this challenge, said Granato. I know this team has a great mix of youth, experience, skill and speed. I'm looking forward to this new opportunity ahead.

 BREAKING STORIES

MLB: Cleveland 9, Seattle 6

MLB: LA Angels 4, Boston 2

MLS: San Jose 0, Toronto 0 (tie)

Coles, Flanagan share lead in Milwaukee

Mystics fire Coach Tree Rollins

MLB: N.Y. Yankees 4, Oakland 3 (12 inn.)

Tseng leads, Wie disqualify at State Farm

Hamilton grabs German Grand Prix pole

Greg Norman leads the British Open

Freire wins Tour de France's 14th stage

MLB: LA Dodgers 8, Arizona 7 (11 innings)

The Buffalo News, N.Y., Bucky Gleason Column: A Sign of the Times for Sabres

MLB: Seattle 8, Cleveland 2

MLB: Milwaukee 9, San Francisco 1

MLB: LA Angels 11, Boston 3

MLB: St. Louis 11, San Diego 7

MLB: Colorado 5, Pittsburgh 2

MLB: Chicago White Sox 9, Kansas City 5

MLB: Minnesota 6, Texas 0

MLB: Houston 2, Chicago Cubs 1