Having been hired last week, Jared Bednar was formally introduced as the new head coach of the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. With his hiring, the uncertainty that had engulfed the Avs following the resignation of Patrick Roy has dissipated.
Still, many were left wondering what was to be the fate of the assistant coaches on the Avalanche’s staff. That question was answered on Wednesday.
“I have had a chance to speak with the coaches … I’ve had some great conversations with them,” Bednar said at his introductory press conference on Wednesday. “I feel very comfortable with our staff.”
The assistant coaching staff that served under Roy last season, which includes Tim Army, Dave Farrish, goaltending coach Francois Allaire and video coordinator Brett Heimlich will all be back. Former Avalanche defenseman Nolan Pratt, who was hired as an assistant earlier this summer, will also be retained.
In Pratt, Bednar will have a familiar face joining him behind the bench. Pratt previously served as a member of Bednar’s staff at the AHL level with both the Lake Erie Monsters and Springfield Falcons.
Even though last year’s assistants were retained, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any chances structurally. The Avalanche need to improve their puck possession, and Bednar has a plan to do just that.
“One of the keys, to me, of being a good possession team is you’ve got to touch the puck first,” he said. “If you can touch it first, then you have an opportunity to keep it.”
