Jared Bednar to Miss Avalanche Road Trip Following Facial Injuries
The Colorado Avalanche are heading into the final stretch of the regular season facing an unexpected leadership void. Head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming road trip to western Canada after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion during Saturday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
While the injuries are significant, the organization remains optimistic. The Avalanche announced Sunday that Bednar is expected to make a full recovery and does not require surgery at this time.
The Incident: A Freak Occurrence at Ball Arena
The injury occurred during the third period of a contest between the Avalanche and the Golden Knights. With 16:39 remaining in the period, a puck flew off the stick of Vegas defenseman Keegan Kolesar, cleared the boards and struck Bednar in the right cheek while he was standing behind the Colorado bench.
Bednar was immediately tended to by trainers and helped to the locker room before being transported to a local hospital. According to a team spokesperson, Bednar remained fully alert and conscious throughout the incident and underwent a CT scan for further evaluation. The Avalanche ultimately lost the game 3-2 in overtime, as reported by ESPN.
Interim Coaching and Road Trip Logistics
Because of the nature of his injuries, Bednar will miss the final two games of the regular season in Edmonton and Calgary. The team will rely on assistants Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol to handle coaching duties in his absence. Hakstol assumed control of the bench immediately following Bednar’s departure on Saturday night.
Assistant coach Nolan Pratt described the incident as “unnerving,” noting that while such occurrences happen in hockey, they require a moment to “recalibrate” before returning to the game, according to Denver Sports.
Avalanche Standings and Playoff Outlook
The timing of the injury is unfortunate but comes at a moment of stability for the roster. Colorado has already secured several major milestones heading into the postseason:
- League Dominance: The team has earned the Presidents’ Trophy for the best record in the NHL.
- Seeding: They have clinched the top overall seed for the postseason and the Central Division title.
- Current Record: The team enters the final games with 115 points.
With the playoffs scheduled to begin next weekend, the primary focus for the organization is Bednar’s recovery to ensure he is ready for Round 1, Game 1.
Additional Injury Report: Josh Manson
The game against Vegas proved costly for other reasons as well. Defenseman Josh Manson left the game late in the second period due to an upper-body injury. As of Sunday, Manson is still being evaluated by the medical staff.
Key Takeaways
- Injury: Jared Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.
- Cause: A puck deflected off Vegas defenseman Keegan Kolesar’s stick.
- Status: No surgery required; full recovery expected.
- Absence: Missing games in Edmonton and Calgary.
- Interim Leads: Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Jared Bednar necessitate surgery for his facial fractures?
No, the Colorado Avalanche stated on Sunday that Bednar is expected to make a full recovery without the need for surgery.
Who will coach the Avalanche in Canada?
Assistants Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol are expected to lead the team for the final two regular-season games.
When do the playoffs begin for the Avalanche?
The postseason is scheduled to start next weekend.
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