The Colorado Avalanche have punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for an eighth straight year, and what a journey it has been. Guiding this ship through stormy seas has been none other than head coach Jared Bednar, whose influence has been pivotal in navigating a challenging regular season.

Injuries and trades tested the team’s chemistry, with a whopping 49 players dressing for the Avs during the 2024-25 season, and only 12 remaining from opening night. Bednar summed it up aptly after clinching the playoff spot: “We’re really happy to have secured that spot.

That’s always the first step and the first goal you set at training camp. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work, but I’m proud of our guys for achieving it under tough conditions.”

The season kicked off without two crucial players from 2023-24 — Artturi Lehkonen, sidelined by offseason shoulder surgery, and Valeri Nichushkin, suspended until mid-November. As if that wasn’t enough, Jonathan Drouin was injured in the season opener, missing 16 games, and Ross Colton fractured his foot in late October, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. It was a rocky start, to say the least.

By early December, the Avalanche were just nudging above the .500 mark with 28 points in 27 games. The team was in transition, having just acquired Scott Wedgewood, and a few days later, Mackenzie Blackwood. That period marked a turning point.

As the middle third of the season unfolded, the team upped their game, improving their record to 17-8-2. A seismic shift came with the trade of Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, which brought Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and some valuable picks to Colorado. This trade didn’t just change the roster; it transformed the locker room dynamic.

Logan O’Connor had plenty to say about Bednar’s adaptive coaching style: “Some guys respond to different things better than others. Coach does a great job of reading the room, understanding how to talk to each player, and making sure his message gets through without losing anyone.”

The final stretch of the season saw the Avs power through with an 18-8-2 finish, bolstered by the arrivals of Charlie Coyle, Jimmy Vesey, Ryan Lindgren, Brock Nelson, and Erik Johnson. With this impressive late run, Colorado secured third place in the Central Division, amassing 102 points.

Coyle weighed in on Bednar’s impact: “No two players are the same, and knowing how to manage each individual and the whole team is impressive. You really appreciate the work he does behind the scenes, even if it doesn’t always get the spotlight.”

Even with their playoff feat amid adversities, Bednar’s name isn’t being mentioned in the Jack Adams Award tales. Yet players like Ross Colton know just how much Bednar has fueled their season: “He’s a champion for a reason.

Every night, he got us believing in our ability to secure two points, even when the lineup wasn’t our dream team from day one. That speaks to his character and leadership both on the ice and in the video and one-on-one sessions.”

Having steered the Avalanche for nine years, Bednar’s tenure is the longest in franchise history, testament to his fit and effectiveness. His forthcoming contract runs through the 2026-27 season, teaming up with elite talents such as Nathan MacKinnon, who vouches for Bednar as “one of the best coaches in the league.”

Drouin echoed these sentiments, sharing how Bednar’s demeanor and intelligence were key reasons behind his decision to re-sign with the Avs. Given the 49-player carousel he managed this season, Drouin commended Bednar and his staff for maintaining course: “He’s done a very good job, all the staff has done a good job throughout the year to keep us on track.”

Though Bednar might not snag the best coach title in the league formally, he’s certainly won what counts most — the admiration and respect of his players and the Avalanche organization. GM Chris MacFarland affirms his belief in Bednar’s value: “Jared does a great job, maintains strong connections with players, and has done so effectively for many years.”

In a season defined by resilience and adaptation, Bednar’s coaching prowess has never been more evident. His leadership has been a cornerstone of the team’s success and a rallying point in their journey forward.