The Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with coach Jared Bednar, the team announced Wednesday. The move alleviates any concern about Bednar's future in Colorado.

The winningest coach in franchise history had been set to be behind the bench for the 2026-27 season on the final year of his contract before the extension. General manager Joe Sakic said in June that Bednar and his staff would return, but there was some uncertainty after the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche were stunned in a Western Conference finals sweep by the Vegas Golden Knights.

"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," Sakic said. Bednar is now signed through the 2030-31 season. Colorado has reached the playoffs in eight of Bednar's nine seasons as coach, winning the Stanley Cup in 2021-22.

Bednar is the second-longest tenured coach in the NHL behind only the Tampa Bay Lightning's Jon Cooper. The Avalanche open their regular season Wednesday by hosting the Los Angeles Kings.