Since their Stanley Cup run in 2022, the Colorado Avalanche have struggled to make another deep playoff run despite the high-end talent they have. They were eliminated in the first round in 2023 and the second round in 2024.
This season, however, felt different. General manager Chris MacFarland bolstered the roster at the trade deadline, adding Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, Jimmy Vesey, Ryan Lindgren, and Erik Johnson. They also welcomed back captain Gabriel Landeskog in the playoffs after a multi-year absence.
The Avalanche finished third in the Central Division, setting up a first-round matchup against arguably the deepest team in the league—the Dallas Stars. The series went to seven games, but Colorado ultimately blew a 2–0 third-period lead in Game 7 and lost 4–2.
With another disappointing season, many fans have wondered about head coach Jared Bednar's future with the team. MacFarland spoke to the media on Tuesday and confirmed Bednar is still his man moving forward.
"100% confidence in Jared Bednar as our head coach," MacFarland said.
While Bednar will remain behind the bench for Colorado next season, MacFarland announced on Tuesday that assistant coach Ray Bennett will not.
Bednar just wrapped up his ninth season as head coach of the Avalanche. The 53-year-old, hired before the 2016–17 season, led Colorado to that Stanley Cup in 2022 and has reached the playoffs every year except in Year 1. He has only led the team past the second round once.
Under his leadership, the Avs have posted a 290–246–64 regular-season record and a 52–36 mark in the playoffs.
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