Avalanche Reportedly Not Moving on From Hot Commodity Coach

According to several sources, including NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Jared Bednar is not being relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

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Following news that GM Chris MacFarland is leaving the Avalanche to take a promotion as President of Hockey Operations with the Nashville Predators, Friedman reported, “Also, about Colorado: there is word Jared Bednar is staying as the Avalanche’s coach.”

Emily Kaplan of ESPN hinted at similar news a few hours earlier, writing, “It’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Avalanche. As of now, hearing there haven’t been any discussions about coach Jared Bednar. Could change, but doesn’t seem like there’s as much smoke there.”

With the news, it looks like Joe Sakic will add GM duties back to his role and Bednar will officially be returning as head coach.

Smart Move By the Avalanche

The decision to keep Bednar is likely a smart one. While the Avalanche were disappointed to be swept in the Western Conference Final by the Vegas Golden Knights, the Avs are still a solid team and Bednar is a well-respected coach. Had they moved on, simply for the sake of change, the Avalanche would have been hard-pressed to find and hire another coach as decorated.

Bednar would have immediately found work. The Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings all would have been clamoring for an interview the second he was free to accept one. And, seeing as the Avs didn’t stand in the way of MacFarland seeking a new opportunity, they likely wouldn’t have stopped Bednar from jumping back into the coaching ranks.

This knocks another potential coach off the list for a team like the Oilers, who would have loved to snag him now that it looks like Bruce Cassidy will not be made available by Vegas.

Next: Insider Says It “Killed” Martin St. Louis to Make Tough Decision in Montreal