No NHL experience? No problem. How Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar shocked the hockey world
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has steadily built a reputation as one of the NHL's most respected and reliable coaches.
Best known for guiding the Avalanche to their third Stanley Cup title in 2022, Bednar's rise to the top has been anything but traditional.
How Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar shocked the hockey world.
Marc Ferran from NHL Mania writes that unlike many of his coaching peers, Bednarnever laced up for an NHL game. Instead, the Canadian carved out his path through the gritty ranks of minor league hockey, first as a player, then as a coach, before earning his place behind an NHL bench.
Today, he stands as a testament to perseverance, versatility, and strategic acumen in the modern game.
Bednar's early days in Colorado were anything but smooth. The Yorkton, Saskatchewan native was thrust into the spotlight just weeks before the 2016-17 season after Patrick Roy's unexpected resignation, leaving Bednar with little time to prepare before stepping behind the Avalanche bench.
"With little time to implement his plans, the team stumbled, recording just 48 points - one of the worst seasons of the salary-cap era. Despite the result, Colorado decided against all odds to retain its faith in the Canadian. The decision became the first step in a triumphant prophecy." -Ferran
The Avalanche underwent a remarkable turnaround, evolving from league basement dwellers to one of the NHL's most electrifying teams. Bednar's steady leadership paid off in 2022, when Colorado capped off a dominant postseason with a Stanley Cup victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"Under Bednar, the Avalanche developed a singular identity built on speed, puck possession , and relentless offensive pressure. The Canadian's systems center on quick breaks, aggression, and a defensive commitment without sacrificing creativity." -Ferran
The team's core stars of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, thrived under Bednar's guidance, thanks not only to their elite skill but also to the disciplined structure and stability he brought behind the bench.
"Bednar, now the winningest head coach in Colorado history, has solidified his legacy in Denver and within the NHL coaching family. The Canadian's story exudes perseverance and quiet excellence, a coach who has earned his place at the top and proven that success isn't limited to those who were also stars as players." -Ferran
Bednar's time with the Avalanche appears from from over, with the team's core still largely intact and championship aspirations very much alive.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
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MAI 27 | 20 ANSWERS No NHL experience? No problem. How Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar shocked the hockey world Do you think Jared Bednar is one of the most underrated head coaches in the NHL? | ||
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