October 8th 2024.
Jared Bednar is more than just a coach for the Colorado Avalanche, he is an integral part of the team. As the new season approaches, the organization is relying on him just as much as he has relied on them in the past. Even though it's only been two years since their Stanley Cup victory, it feels like a lifetime ago. The Avs are no longer the favorites to win it all, with other teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars taking the lead. But despite the challenges they are facing, the Avs are determined to maintain their standard of excellence, even with injuries and absences disrupting their lineup.
There was a time when the Avs couldn't break past the second round of playoffs, and Bednar was often blamed for their shortcomings. However, he silenced his critics with a remarkable record of 16-4 in the 2021-22 postseason, leading his team to victory. But now, the Avs can no longer rely on their fiber optics speed to outplay their opponents. With key players like Landeskog and Nichushkin out, and a ranking of 16th in goals against last season, defense is more important than ever. And it all comes down to Bednar's leadership on the bench.
Bednar has been with the Avs for seven consecutive playoff berths and has an impressive average of 52 wins in the past three seasons. Some may argue that any coach could achieve these results with such a talented team, but Bednar proves them wrong time and time again. This season, he has a chance to solidify his role as a crucial part of the team, with a young roster that needs to buy into his emphasis on defense.
As a former minor league player, Bednar was nicknamed "Bedrock" for his tough and resilient playing style. He may not have had the best plus-minus record, but he was always there for his teammates and never backed down from a fight. He brings the same determination and drive to his coaching career, and this season, he will have to convince his players to prioritize defense if they want to succeed.
Bednar has also created a strong team culture, which will be tested as five young players join the opening roster. It's crucial for this culture to manifest itself through strong defense, rather than flashy skating. As right winger Mikko Rantanen puts it, "in the playoffs, you need to be rock solid defensively to have success."
Last season, the Avs lost their way towards the end, with costly breakdowns and the suspension of Nichushkin leading to their defeat. This season, they can't afford to sit back and hope for the best. Bednar must lead the team as if Landeskog and Nichushkin won't be returning, to avoid another early postseason exit. And this means finding secondary scoring options outside of their star players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Rantanen. But ultimately, consistent defense is what will ease the pressure on their solid goalie, Alexander Georgiev.
Bednar's coaching style is often described as "accountable," and he takes pride in this aspect of his leadership. Players acknowledge that he is fair but tough, and it can be a delicate balance to strike when leading a talented team like the Avs. There is no room for complacency, and Bednar knows when to push his players and when to ease off. As center Casey Mittelstadt puts it, "he does a really good job of balancing that. And that is a very tough thing to do."
This season presents a new challenge for Bednar. Will he take charge of this transitioning roster and shape the team's identity, or will the team dictate how he coaches? The Avs may have some issues beyond their control, but they are determined to overcome them and make another run at the Stanley Cup. And for Bednar, this season is a chance to prove that he is the bedrock of this team, leading them to success once again. As he says, "our goals remain the same. We expect to win. We make no secrets about it. The things that change are how we expect to get there."
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