Bednar signs 4-year contract with Avalanche, runs through 2030-31

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar signed a four-year contract on Wednesday that runs through the 2030-31 season.

“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.”

Bednar was entering the final season of a three-year contract he signed March 21, 2023.

The 54-year-old is beginning his 11th season as Avalanche coach. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in wins (445-262-75) in 782 regular-season games and is also 60-40-1 in 101 Stanley Cup Playoff games, highlighted by winning a championship in 2022.

Bednar is the only person to win championships in the ECHL (South Carolina, 2009), AHL (Lake Erie, 2016) and NHL as a head coach. He is the second-longest tenured coach in the League behind Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning (March 2013).

Colorado has qualified for the postseason in all but one season during Bednar’s time as coach; he missed during his first season (2016-17). It won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, having the most points (121; 55-16-11) during the regular season before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.

The Avalanche play their 2026-27 season opener at home against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT).

“Jared has done an outstanding job over the last decade, and there’s no doubt in my mind he’s the best coach for this group,’ Avalanche president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said. “He commands the room and has complete confidence of the players. We’re excited to continue to have him in charge, and we believe that his presence maximizes the team’s potential while this core group is intact.”