Key facts
- Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic is backing head coach Jared Bednar.
- Sakic plans to keep the team's core players, including Nathan MacKinnon, for the upcoming season.
- Bednar is entering the final year of his contract but has the support of Sakic and the players.
- Sakic is resuming GM duties following Chris MacFarland's departure.
- Contract extension talks with defenseman Cale Makar have commenced.
Joe Sakic, president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche, has publicly backed head coach Jared Bednar and expressed his intention to retain the team's core group of players, including stars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and captain Gabriel Landeskog, for the upcoming season. Sakic's decision comes after the Avalanche secured a franchise-best 121 points and the Presidents' Trophy in the regular season, despite a disappointing sweep by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.
Sakic stated that the team's overall performance throughout the year warrants another opportunity for the current roster. He emphasized that Bednar, who is entering the final year of his contract, has the full confidence and respect of the players and staff, making him the "right guy" to lead the team. Sakic is stepping back into the de facto general manager role following the departure of Chris MacFarland to the Nashville Predators.
Despite the playoff exit, Sakic downplayed concerns about the team's high-octane offensive style, attributing the loss to a "lack of execution in moments" rather than the style itself. He also confirmed that contract extension discussions with defenseman Cale Makar have begun, expressing confidence that Makar will finish his career with the Avalanche. Sakic assured that the team anticipates a healthy roster for training camp, with no players expected to miss significant time due to injuries sustained during the playoffs. Assistant coaches, including Dave Hakstol, will also return as the organization aims to improve in specific areas, such as the power play, while maintaining continuity.