After winning the 2022 Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche set a new standard of excellence in the NHL. However, as the 2023-2024 season begins, Head Coach Jared Bednar and his team are far from satisfied. They’ve launched a new initiative—Mission 10—aimed at reclaiming the ultimate prize in hockey: the Stanley Cup. While their previous championship run was historic, the Avalanche are determined to prove that their success wasn’t a one-time achievement.
A New Chapter for the Avalanche
Bednar, now in his seventh season as head coach, has cultivated a culture of winning in Colorado. Under his guidance, the Avalanche have developed into one of the most formidable teams in the league, with an explosive offense, a stout defense, and elite goaltending. But with the championship in hand, Bednar is focused on pushing the team even further. Mission 10 is the roadmap for Colorado to continue building on their success and ensuring that the Stanley Cup remains within reach.
The new initiative isn’t just about winning another title—it’s about dominating the NHL, establishing a legacy, and maintaining excellence year after year. For Bednar and the Avalanche, this is a long-term vision, not a fleeting moment of glory.
What is “Mission 10”?
At its core, Mission 10 is about two main goals:
- Regaining the Stanley Cup – While the Avalanche’s 2022 championship was an unforgettable achievement, the team is setting their sights on adding more titles to their legacy. Bednar believes that with the right mindset, leadership, and commitment, the Avalanche can remain a championship contender for years to come.
- Building a Sustainable Dynasty – Bednar’s vision goes beyond a single championship. He wants to build a team that can challenge for the Cup consistently, year after year. This plan is not just about maintaining the talent on the roster but fostering a culture of excellence that will keep the Avalanche near the top for the foreseeable future.
To execute Mission 10, the Avalanche are committed to building on their already impressive roster while also maintaining a balance between experienced veterans and emerging young stars.
Strengthening the Core
The Avalanche are known for their star-studded lineup, and Bednar’s focus for Mission 10 is to leverage that talent in ways that allow the team to remain both dominant and flexible throughout the season.
- Nathan MacKinnon – As one of the league’s best players, MacKinnon is the engine that drives the Avalanche offense. His speed, skill, and leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that Colorado stays a contender. Expect MacKinnon to continue leading by example, especially in clutch moments.
- Mikko Rantanen – As MacKinnon’s partner in crime, Rantanen’s offensive game is one of the most dangerous in the league. His size, vision, and playmaking ability make him a constant threat, and he will need to continue his elite playmaking to help the Avalanche chase the Cup.
- Cale Makar – Makar is arguably the best defenseman in the NHL and one of the most dynamic players in the entire league. His two-way game, leadership on the blue line, and ability to contribute offensively will be key to the Avalanche’s success in Mission 10.
- Goaltending Stability – After a rocky start to the 2022-2023 season for goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, the Avalanche are expecting him to grow into a more consistent, reliable force in net. With backup Pavel Francouz ready to step up when needed, the goaltending tandem will be key to Colorado’s hopes of reclaiming the Cup.
Keeping the Hunger Alive
Despite the triumph of winning the Cup, Bednar is adamant that the team must stay hungry. “Winning the Stanley Cup was the culmination of years of hard work, but we aren’t done yet. Mission 10 is about keeping that fire alive and ensuring we continue to improve every day,” said Bednar.
The Avalanche are working to stay focused and grounded, knowing that defending a title is often harder than winning it in the first place. To do so, Bednar has instilled a mindset of continual improvement, pushing his players to elevate their game even further.
“It’s about getting better each day,” Bednar continued. “The league doesn’t slow down, and neither can we. If we want to be a dynasty, we have to evolve.”
The Road to Regaining the Cup
The path to another Stanley Cup is never easy, and the competition in the NHL is fierce. The Colorado Avalanche will need to continue their strong play throughout the regular season, maintaining a top spot in the Western Conference to secure favorable playoff positioning. And once the postseason arrives, Bednar will need his team to be at its absolute best, ready to grind through the intense battle of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Mission 10 means staying healthy, being disciplined, and continuing to push for greatness in every game. With the right mindset and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, the Avalanche will be a tough team to beat come playoff time.
Key Players to Watch
- Nathan MacKinnon – The heart and soul of the Avalanche, MacKinnon will need to remain one of the NHL’s most dominant players for Colorado to repeat as champions.
- Cale Makar – As a future Hall-of-Famer, Makar’s ability to impact the game from the back end is unmatched. His continued growth will be crucial to the team’s success.
- Mikko Rantanen – Rantanen’s power-play prowess and offensive consistency will be essential for the Avalanche in maintaining their offensive juggernaut status.
- Alexandar Georgiev – The team’s goaltender will be tasked with solidifying the crease and ensuring Colorado’s defense and attack aren’t undone by inconsistent play between the pipes.
Looking Ahead
With Mission 10, Jared Bednar and the Colorado Avalanche are sending a message to the rest of the NHL: they’re not content with just one championship. This is a team built for sustained success, and they are ready to defend their title and chase down more Cups in the years to come.
The path will be difficult, but with a roster full of elite talent and a coach who knows what it takes to win, the Avalanche are on a mission to prove that their championship window is far from closing.
