Sakic Backs Bednar as MacKinnon Skips the Hart Glow

Colorado’s front office is sending a clear message, and it starts with Joe Sakic standing behind Jared Bednar when the noise picks up. The bigger subplot is the kind that always follows a contender - how much of the spotlight the Avalanche are really willing to hand to Nathan MacKinnon when the hardware conversation starts. Add in Carolina making another move, and this one has the feel of a league that is already circling the same familiar suspects.