THIS IS THE BEST WE COULD HOPE: Former Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Patrick Roy who is currently the head coach of the New York Islanders in the NHL Also Sends a Stunning message to the current Head Coach Jared Bednar Concerning…

Former Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Patrick Roy who is currently the head coach of the New York Islanders in the NHL Also Sends a Stunning message to the current Head Coach Jared Bednar Concerning…

In a rare and heartfelt moment of candor, former Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy, now leading the New York Islanders, has delivered a stunning and gracious message to current Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar—one that’s resonating across the hockey world.

Speaking after a recent Islanders team practice at UBS Arena, Roy was asked about his feelings toward his former team in Colorado and the job Bednar has done since taking over in 2016. His answer wasn’t what many expected.

> “I’ll tell you this,” Roy said, pausing for a moment. “Jared Bednar took that team farther than I could have. He deserves all the credit in the world. I may have laid a brick or two, but he built the house. And he did it the right way.”

This striking admission from Roy, a notoriously competitive and intense figure, is being viewed by many as a moment of professional humility—and a rare public nod of approval from one coaching great to another

From One Legacy to Another

Patrick Roy’s time in Colorado was as dramatic as it was brief. After being hired in 2013, he quickly made waves in his rookie coaching season, winning the Jack Adams Award and reigniting hope in a struggling Avalanche squad. But his tenure ended abruptly in 2016, when philosophical differences with management and frustrations over team direction led to his resignation just weeks before training camp.

Enter Jared Bednar, a relatively unknown coach at the NHL level, promoted from the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters. His early seasons were rocky, but he slowly began to reshape the Avalanche in his own image: fast, structured, and relentless. That vision culminated in a Stanley Cup victory in 2022.

When asked about Bednar’s success, Roy didn’t hesitate:

> “I’ve watched from afar, and honestly, I’m proud. Not jealous, not bitter—proud. That Cup in 2022? That wasn’t just a win for the Avalanche. It was a statement. It proved that patience and vision still matter in this league.”

“Maybe I Wasn’t Ready Then”

In a moment that surprised even longtime Roy followers, he also offered reflection on his own coaching journey:

> “Maybe I wasn’t ready for the NHL back then. Not fully. I came in hot—intense, emotional—and sometimes that works. But it can also burn bridges. Bednar showed a different path. He grew into the job. And maybe I’ve grown a bit too, since then.”

Now behind the Islanders’ bench, Roy has brought his signature fire to Long Island—but with a more measured approach. Players describe him as direct but fair, and his focus on defense and structure has helped the Islanders remain competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.

But despite his current role, it’s clear Roy still carries a deep connection to Colorado.

> “I still remember every night at Ball Arena. That crowd. That energy. I gave everything I had to that team. And seeing them raise that Cup? I felt like a small part of me was still there.”

A Message Beyond Words

Roy didn’t just stop at praise. He went on to say he plans to reach out to Bednar personally this offseason.

> “I owe him a dinner. A real one. Steak, wine, the whole deal. I want to hear how he did it, what clicked. There’s a mutual respect there. And honestly, I think the league needs more of that.”

The hockey community has responded warmly to Roy’s comments, with several former players and analysts praising the moment as “mature,” “classy,” and “rare.”

In an era where coaching rivalries often turn cold or silent, Roy’s message to Bednar is a powerful reminder that sports is as much about people as it is about wins and losses

Looking Ahead

As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, both Roy and Bednar remain at the helm of their respective teams. The Islanders are expected to retool after narrowly missing the playoffs, while the Avalanche remain contenders out West, thanks in large part to Bednar’s consistency and leadership.

If the hockey gods have a sense of drama, perhaps these two coaches—linked by legacy, timing, and mutual respect—will find themselves facing off in a future Stanley Cup Final.

Until then, Roy’s message lingers as one of the most sincere acknowledgments of coaching excellence in recent memory.