Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar to Lead Team in 2026-27 NHL Season
The Colorado Avalanche General Manager, Joe Sakic, has confirmed that head coach Jared Bednar and his coaching staff will remain with the team for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season. Despite the team's success during the regular season and early playoffs, the Avalanche faced a disappointing exit in the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. However, Sakic expressed confidence in Bednar's coaching abilities and stated that he believes Bednar is the best coach for the team moving forward.
The Avalanche clinched the President's Trophy for the best regular-season record in the NHL, boasting a 55-16-11 record and 121 points. They dominated the early rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by sweeping the Los Angeles Kings and eliminating the Minnesota Wild in five games. Despite facing challenges due to injuries to key players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the team's performance throughout the season was commendable.
Looking ahead to the next season, there is added intrigue as it marks the final year of Bednar's current contract. However, Sakic assured that Bednar should not be concerned about his contract status and emphasized that the focus should be on the team's performance on the ice. Sakic, who recently took over as the Avalanche's general manager, has a history of success with the team, having previously served as the general manager and later as the president of hockey operations.
As the Avalanche gear up for the upcoming season, Sakic's decision to retain Bednar and his coaching staff reflects the organization's commitment to continuity and stability. With a strong foundation in place, the team aims to build on their past successes and make a strong push for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season.