Avalanche Coach Jared Bednar Sidelined After Puck to the Face

Bednar sustains facial fractures and corneal abrasion, will miss next two games.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:12pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors and expressive brushstrokes, depicting the intense moment of a hockey player being struck in the face by a puck, conceptually representing the injury sustained by the Avalanche coach.An explosive, neon-hued painting captures the raw intensity of a hockey coach taking a puck to the face, a jarring injury that will sideline him for the next two games.Denver Today

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will miss the team's next two games after sustaining facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was hit in the face by a puck during Saturday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Bednar was taken to the hospital following the incident and will not travel with the team for their upcoming road trip.

Why it matters

Bednar's injury is a significant blow to the Avalanche, who have clinched the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top team this season. His absence could impact the team's momentum and preparation heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The details

Bednar was struck in the right side of his face by a puck during the third period of Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Golden Knights. The injuries will not require surgery at this time, but Bednar will miss the Avalanche's next two games against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. Assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will take over head coaching duties during Bednar's absence.

  • Bednar was injured during the third period of the Avalanche's game against the Golden Knights on April 12, 2026.
  • The Avalanche will play the Oilers on April 18, 2026 and the Flames on April 19, 2026, with Bednar expected to miss both of those games.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who has led the team to the Presidents' Trophy this season.

Nolan Pratt

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche who will take over head coaching duties in Bednar's absence.

Dave Hakstol

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche who will also take over head coaching duties in Bednar's absence.

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What’s next

The Avalanche are expected to begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs either Sunday or Monday, with Games 1 and 2 of the opening round against a to-be-determined opponent at home.

The takeaway

Bednar's injury is a significant setback for the Avalanche as they prepare for the playoffs, but the team has capable assistant coaches who can step in during his absence. The Avalanche will need to ensure a smooth transition to maintain their momentum heading into the postseason.