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Sakic comments on Lehkonen and Bednar contract situations for Avalanche

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 1:03 AM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Sakic comments on Lehkonen and Bednar contract situations for Avalanche

Summary

Joe Sakic addressed the media regarding the Colorado Avalanche contracts of Artturi Lehkonen and head coach Jared Bednar ahead of the Alumni Game against the DU Pioneers on August 24, 2026. Both Lehkonen and Bednar are entering the last year of their contracts, with no updates provided on potential extensions. Lehkonen has played a crucial role since joining the Avalanche in 2022 and is expected to be a priority for an extension. Meanwhile, Bednar’s status as a lame-duck coach raises concerns, although Sakic downplayed these worries during his remarks. The Avalanche aim for another strong season amid playoff expectations.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Sakic spoke on contract situations for Lehkonen and Bednar on August 24, 2026.
•Lehkonen's five-year deal worth $4.5 million AAV expires next July.
•Bednar has led the Avalanche for nearly a decade, entering the last year of his contract.
•Sakic indicated that there are no immediate updates on extensions for either.
•Avalanche expect to contend strongly for the Stanley Cup this season.

Latest Updates

1:03 AMYahoo Sports — Sakic Mum on Lehkonen Extension Talks; Can Bednar Start Season as a Lame-Duck Coach?

What they're saying

"
Joe Sakic’s media availability Sunday ahead of the Colorado Avalanche’s Alumni Game against the DU Pioneers at Magness Arena was […] The post Sakic Mum on Lehkonen Extension Talks; Can Bednar Start Season as a Lame-Duck Coach? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.
— Yahoo Sports

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Colorado Avalanche Los Angeles Kings New York Islanders NHL Hockey