Matthew Mayich's medical crisis has Arizona State seeking a new coach, and Jared Bednar's Avalanche staff is suddenly caught in the middle.
The Avalanche have reportedly granted the Sun Devils permission to negotiate with a member of their coaching staff. Talks are moving fast, turning a stable bench into an unexpected personnel problem.
The reported target could be behind Arizona State's bench by Friday. Other candidates have reportedly been informed they're out, leaving Colorado facing the prospect of an immediate departure.
This isn't the kind of disruption contenders plan for once puck drop has arrived. Bednar could lose an experienced NHL coaching voice just as routines and special teams are being established.
The urgency comes from Tempe, not Colorado's results. The Sun Devils are trying to stabilize a program shaken by the devastating situation involving Mayich, whose condition remains critical.
-
Mayich collapsed during a team workout, prompting serious questions about how the session was conducted. Players have challenged the program's handling of the incident and demanded greater accountability.
Arizona State's head coach was placed on administrative leave. That is not the same as being fired, and the wider review of what happened has not been resolved.
Colorado's bench faces a sudden disruption with Dave Hakstol
Bednar now faces a genuine staffing headache. Losing a trusted assistant after the season has started affects preparation, communication and the division of responsibilities during games.
It's especially awkward because this isn't a departure driven by a falling-out with the Avalanche. Colorado's willingness to allow negotiations shows how serious the opportunity has become.
An internal promotion could provide continuity, but it would force another adjustment elsewhere on the staff. Bringing someone in from outside would come with its own learning curve.
The potential exit has implications for the power play, video work and day-to-day practice planning. Those details rarely dominate headlines until a familiar voice suddenly disappears.
Nothing is officially complete yet. Permission to negotiate is not a signed contract, and an agreement could still unravel before Arizona State's next game.
But the reported narrowing of the search puts pressure on Colorado to prepare now rather than wait. With the regular season underway, there's little room for a drawn-out replacement process.
The Sun Devils need a fresh direction while their players deal with something much bigger than hockey. The Avalanche, meanwhile, could lose a valuable coach with virtually no warning.
Should the Avalanche allow a trusted coach to leave during the NHL season?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
NHL defense news: Flyers won't extend Ristolainen, Leafs kick tires
