Before training camp even begins, they have been tough decisions looming, and the Colorado Avalanche are no exception. Top NHL insider, recently shared six hot takes of his own about the upcoming season. One of the most eye-catching is regarding Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar been fired either during or shortly after the 2025–26 season.
He didn’t dive into much reasoning behind his prediction, but the implications are clear—if Bednar’s job security becomes a storyline, it would likely mean the Avalanche underachieved in a major way. For many fans, anything less than a trip to the Stanley Cup Final would be considered a disappointment. That expectation is heightened by the anticipated full-time return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, whose presence could make all the difference. If Landeskog stays healthy, it’s hard to imagine Colorado faltering to the point where Bednar’s future is seriously in jeopardy.
Looking ahead to playoff competition, the Winnipeg Jets may emerge as Colorado’s toughest postseason rival. Dallas remains a factor as well, though the Stars face their own uncertainties, including a coaching change and questions around goaltender Jake Oettinger, who struggled so badly last postseason that he was benched by then-head coach Pete DeBoer. If Oettinger can bounce back, Dallas could once again be a threat, but for now, Colorado’s focus has to remain squarely on its own consistency and execution.
The Avalanche’s 2024–25 campaign was marred by injuries, yet they still managed to finish third in the Central Division—just four points shy of second place behind Dallas. That resilience speaks volumes, and with improved health, they should be in position to climb higher. One key area to improve is their road performance, where they went 23-17-1 compared to a strong 23-12-3 record at Ball Arena. Tightening up in away games, particularly within the division, could go a long way toward securing a better playoff position.
Ultimately, it would take something catastrophic—such as a major injury to superstar Nathan MacKinnon—for Colorado to miss the playoffs entirely. The team appears set in net, with Mackenzie Blackwood stepping up as the most reliable goaltender since the team’s 2022 championship run, and Scott Wedgewood providing steady depth. With that stability, along with a healthier roster and plenty of star power, the Avalanche look poised for another exciting season. While Bartner’s hot take about Bednar being fired certainly grabs attention, it feels unlikely—especially if Colorado lives up to expectations.