Avalanche ink head coach Bednar to 2-year extension

The Colorado Avalanche have signed head coach Jared Bednar to a two-year extension that will keep him behind the bench through the 2021-22 season, the team announced Tuesday.

"Jared has done a tremendous job behind the bench and has earned the opportunity to continue leading this team," Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said.

"He is an outstanding coach who has the full trust of his players, coaches, and staff. He has guided this franchise to two straight playoff appearances and we are excited with what this group can do moving forward."

The 47-year-old helped the Avalanche skate to a 38-30-14 record and reach the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past spring.

Bednar was hired by Colorado in August 2016 and was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for the 2017-18 campaign after helping the team improve by 47 points from the previous season.

He replaced Patrick Roy, who unexpectedly stepped down in the summer of 2016.