NEWS: Avalanche Sign Jared Bednar to Three-Year Extension Through 2026-27 Season

Earliest this season, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar became the winningest coach in franchise history.

He’ll be adding to that win total for a long time, it appears.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Avalanche announced they had signed Bednar to a three-year extension that will finish at the end of the 2027 season. His current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season.

This news should not surprise anyone. Coming off five straight playoff appearances, two consecutive division titles, and a Stanley Cup championship, he’s earned it. He’s also had his work cut out for him this season.

The team has dealt with injuries all season long to key players, and have yet to play a game with their Captain, Gabriel Landeskog, in the lineup. Despite all that, they sit just one point back of the Central Division leading Dallas Stars. That’s a testament to his coaching ability and how he’s able to get through to his players.

As mentioned above, he currently holds the franchise record for wins as a coach with 281. He also has the highest playoff winning percentage of any coach in franchise history. He sits just nine playoff wins behind Bob Hartley on the franchise leaderboard.

Here’s what Avalanche President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic, General Manager Chris MacFarland, and Bednar himself had to say about the extension, per the press release from the organization.

“On behalf of the Kroenke family and the entire organization we are thrilled to announce a long-term commitment to our head coach,” said Avalanche President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic. “Jared has done a tremendous job behind the bench and certainly deserves this extension and to continue as the leader of our team.”

“Jared has obviously proven himself to be one of the top coaches in our business,” said Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. “His strength as a communicator, his relationship with the players, the way he prepares each and every day is a huge reason our team has been so successful. He is an exceptional leader and we couldn’t be more excited to have him continue as our head coach.”

“Being able to lead this team over the last seven years has been a privilege,” said Bednar. “I am grateful and excited to have the opportunity to continue building on what we’ve accomplished so far. Colorado has become home to me and my family, and I can’t thank our ownership enough, Stan and Josh Kroenke, as well as Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland, my coaching staff and all of our players for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to continuing this process with them.”