Colorado Avalanche's Joe Sakic has a clear message for his star players after recent coaching change
Photo credit: Sportsnet
In the wake of the Colorado Avalanche's first-round exit from the 2024-25 NHL playoffs, the organization made a significant change to head coach Jared Bednar's staff by parting ways with assistant coach Ray Bennett, who had overseen the power play unit.
Despite this adjustment, President of Hockey Operations Sakic affirmed that Bednar's position remains secure.
Joe Sakic delivers a message to Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar after coaching change.
With such elite talent, the expectation in Colorado is nothing short of championship contention.
The Avalanche boast one of the NHL's most formidable cores, featuring stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabriel Landeskog, and Valeri Nichushkin.
After being knocked out in the first round by the Dallas Stars, Avalanche fans began demanding a coaching change. However, these demands seem to hold little influence inside the team, as GM Chris MacFarland clearly affirmed that Jared Bednar will continue to be the bench boss of the Avalanche.
However, the front office issued a warning to Bednar by relieving assistant coach Ray Bennett of his duties. While Bednar remains secure for now, his position could be in jeopardy if he fails to turn things around next season.
In that context, Sakic, who won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001, made a strong statement about the high expectations for a team led by MacKinnon and Makar.
Here's what Sakic told the media during his end-of-season press conference.
«If you got Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, your [championship] window is open. And that's why it's important from the management side when it comes to trade deadlines, try and do what you can to give them the best opportunity, you're not going to have those players forever.» -Sakic
It's clear that trading away Mikko Rantanen was a hard pill to swallow for the entire Avalanche organization and their fans. But in return, they received a great player in Martin Necas, and the future is still very bright for this Colorado team.
We can't forget that this team finished third in the Central Division with a dominant 49-29-4 record. Give the players and coaching staff a summer to reset and I'm sure they'll be back again as one of the stronger teams in the NHL next season.
| POLL | ||
MAI 17 | 22 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche's Joe Sakic has a clear message for his star players after recent coaching change Do you think Jared Bednar is on a short leash heading into next season? | ||
| yes | 18 | 81.8 % |
| no | 4 | 18.2 % |
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