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09/30 09:27 CDT Avalanche agree to terms with coach Jared Bednar on a 4-year
extension through 2030-31
Avalanche agree to terms with coach Jared Bednar on a 4-year extension through
2030-31
By PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer
DENVER (AP) --- The Colorado Avalanche agreed to terms with Jared Bednar on a
four-year extension Wednesday that keeps the winningest coach in team history
on board through the 2030-31 season.
Bednar, who has coach the Avalanche to a 445--262--75 record during his tenure,
led the team to a Stanley Cup title in 2022 behind a nucleus that included Cale
Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and captain Gabriel Landeskog.
The team gave Bednar a vote of confidence in the offseason after being swept in
the Western Conference Final. Bednar said leading into training camp they were
in discussions to get a deal completed. It's the second big deal the Avalanche
completed over the summer. The team also locked up Makar, a two-time Norris
Trophy winner, to the richest deal in league history.
Bednar was hired in August 2016 following the resignation of coach Patrick Roy.
The 54-year-old Bednar is currently the second-longest tenured coach in the
NHL, trailing only Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"Jared has done an outstanding job over the last decade, and there's no doubt
in my mind he's the best coach for this group," Joe Sakic, the Avalanche's
president of hockey operations/general manager, said in a statement. "He
commands the room and has complete confidence of the players. We're excited to
continue to have him in charge, and we believe that his presence maximizes the
team's potential while this core group is intact."
Bednar brings a sense of calm to the bench, which his players appreciate. The
team has been to the playoffs in every season but one under Bednar --- his
first, in 2016-17, when the team went 22-56-4. He's the 13th head coach (14th
occasion) in league history to take the same organization to the postseason in
at least nine straight seasons.
His team was the Presidents' Trophy winner last year with a franchise-best 121
points and is expected to be another strong Cup contender this season.
"I look forward to working hard each day this season," Bednar said, "and beyond
to accomplish our goal of winning another Stanley Cup."
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