The team said only in a short statement on its Web site that Quenneville will not return as head coach for the 2008-09 season.

He was in the last year of his contract and his overall record was 131-92-23.

"After meeting with Joel, we mutually agreed that the best decision for both parties involved is to go separate ways," said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. "On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Joel for his years of service and wish him the best in his coaching career."

Colorado secured the sixth seed in the Western Conference after finishing the regular season with a 44-31-7 record.

The Avalanche was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in two of his three seasons, and missed the playoffs in the 2006-07 season.