Avalanche sign coach Jared Bednar to four-year extension

Bednar, who was heading into the final season of his current deal, will be on the team’s books through the 2030-31 campaign.

In a release, Bednar explained how happy he is to be staying at his post for the foreseeable future.

“I’m extremely happy and grateful to continue leading this group,” Bednar said. “My family and I have loved being a part of this organization from the beginning, and I can’t thank the Kroenke family and Joe Sakic enough for their support. I look forward to working hard each day this season and beyond to accomplish our goal of winning another Stanley Cup.”

The 54-year-old is heading into his 11th season at the helm in Denver. He took over right before the 2016-17 season after Patrick Roy abruptly left the organization. He had already established himself as an exceptional leader in the minors, guiding the South Carolina Stingrays to the Kelly Cup in 2009 and the Lake Erie Monsters to the Calder Cup in 2016. He took a stumbling Avs team and quickly turned them into a winner. After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in his first season, Bednar and company put together a squad that has since made it to the postseason 10 years running.

With the Yorkton, Sask. native behind the bench, Colorado has been one of the top teams in the league almost every year. The franchise has won four division titles, as well as Presidents’ Trophies in 2021 and 2025-26. Bednar’s crowning achievement came in 2022, when he led the Avs to the organization’s third Stanley Cup, and first in 21 years. He became the first coach to have won ECHL, American Hockey League and NHL championships.

Under Bednar, the Avs have a record of 445-262-75, and is 60-40-1 in the postseason.

The announcement comes at a perfect time, as the Avs are set to open their 2026-27 season on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings.