Avalanche Coach Bednar Explores Spreading Talent When Healthy

Kadri, Lehkonen, and Roy could form a formidable third line for Colorado

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is looking forward to having all his forwards healthy, as it will allow him to deploy four deep lines of talent. Bednar is considering moving Nazem Kadri back to center, with Artturi Lehkonen and Nicolas Roy potentially forming a skilled third line. The Avalanche currently have several key forwards out with injuries, but Bednar expects them to return in the coming weeks as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Avalanche have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NHL. Being able to spread that talent across four lines will make them an even more formidable opponent, especially in the playoffs. Bednar's ability to find the right line combinations could be a key factor in the team's postseason success.

The details

Bednar is considering moving Kadri back to center, with Lehkonen and Roy potentially forming the third line. This would give the Avalanche three strong scoring lines, with Kadri, Lehkonen, and Roy providing a potent offensive threat. Bednar also wants to get Landeskog back on the top line with MacKinnon, and keep Colton on the second line with Nelson and Nichushkin.

  • Colton may return to the lineup on Thursday against Seattle.
  • Lehkonen, Landeskog, and O'Connor are a couple of weeks away from returning.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, known for his ability to deploy his talented roster effectively.

Nazem Kadri

A skilled center who was recently acquired by the Avalanche and is expected to play a key role in the team's playoff push.

Artturi Lehkonen

A versatile forward who has played well for the Avalanche since being acquired last season, and could form a strong third line with Kadri and Roy.

Nicolas Roy

A two-way center who has been playing well for the Avalanche and could transition to the wing to play alongside Kadri and Lehkonen.

Gabriel Landeskog

The Avalanche's captain and a key part of their top line, expected to return from injury in the coming weeks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I want to find a rhythm. It's not just chemistry, it's a rhythm of how we deploy our guys. Like, who's gonna play with Naz? I want to get him back in the middle of the ice. I'd to get Landy back with [Martin] Necas and [Nathan] MacKinnon.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche (Altitude Sports Radio)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.