The Colorado Avalanche have named former NHL forward Mark Letestu as the new Colorado Eagles head coach. Letestu had spent the last four seasons as assistant coach for the Cleveland Monsters (CBJ) and development coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Coaching Career

Letestu helped the Monsters revamp their program and become a team that was hard to compete against in the North Division. While acting as assistant coach in Cleveland, Letestu led the team to a 136–117–23–16 record. He brought the Monsters to the Calder Cup Playoffs in the last two seasons, winning the North Division in 2023–24. They would eventually fall to the Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears (WSH) in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“I am very grateful to both the Avalanche and Eagles for this opportunity,” said Letestu. “I am excited and ready for this challenge to lead their AHL franchise. Thank you to the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, Chris MacFarland and Kevin McDonald for their trust in me, as well as a big thank you to Martin Lind, Ryan Bach and the entire Eagles organization. Most importantly, thanks to my family for all of their support throughout my playing career and now my coaching career. I can’t wait to get the season going.”

Playing Career

During his playing days, Letestu played at every level, from NCAA to the NHL. He attended Western Michigan University (this year’s National Champion) for only one season after playing in the Alberta Junior Hockey League for four seasons. Letestu earned himself the most valuable player award in the AJHL while scoring the most points in the league (105). At WMU, he played his way onto the All-Rookie team.

Once Letestu turned pro, he would spend four seasons with the Wilks-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL/ PIT) and the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL/PIT). The center finally got comfortable in his second full season with Wilks-Barre/Scranton, tallying 61 points, leading to his first call up to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.

Letestu eventually raked up 567 NHL games with the Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Blue Jackets, and Winnipeg Jets. He was never much of a point producer. He produced a career high 35 points in only one season.

As a forward, Letestu will bring an original style of hockey to the Eagles than former head coach Aaron Schneekloth. Letestu will see the attack with more of an offensive eye, while Schneekloth (a former defenseman) played a tight ship on the blue line. The change may be tough for the Eagles, but the defense will be there this year. Veteran leadership in the top-six will ease the change as well. The strong ties between Columbus and Colorado will continue for another year.