The power play failed the Avalanche at the end of last season, and may have cost the franchise another long playoff run.
It wasn’t the only reason the Dallas Stars prevailed in an incredible seven-game series full of twists and turns, but it was one of the biggest. One of Jared Bednar’s longtime lieutenants, Ray Bennett, was let go in large part because of it.
As the 2025-26 season nears, one of the biggest storylines for the Avalanche centers around what is next with the man advantage. Dave Hakstol replaced Bennett, but during his one stint as an NHL assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was not in charge of the power play.