Deen’s Daily: Avs Add College UFA D-Man; New Penguins Buyer Emerges

The Avalanche added a college free agent that just might be good enough to fight for ice time at training camp. Also, a new buyer emerges for the rebuilding Penguins as the franchise works through a ton of change.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 18.

Colorado Hockey Now

Maybe it’s the lack of hockey news in August talking, but I’m very much intrigued by the latest Avalanche signing. The team gave a two-year ELC to a 23-year-old blueliner who just finished four seasons in college and became a free agent on Friday. And perhaps someone that could make a name for himself at training camp.

Is he actually going to matter in the end? Maybe. Maybe not. He could be the next Sam Malinski, or he could be one of the many other college UFA’s the Avs have signed over the years that make more of an impact in the AHL. But what I do like is what they targeted with this one.

He’s a 6’5, 225 lb left-shot defenseman, who has been among the best college players in defensive zone puck battles and blocked shots. It’s a heck of an identity for a player to have. And it’s an addition on a side without much competition for a depth role.

The Avs’ top three left-shot defensemen are currently Devon Toews, Samuel Girard, and Keaton Middleton. I’m sure Sean Behrens wants to get in there too, as well as one of the four righty’s who might end up shifting to the left. Should be a fun battle at camp.

Read more about the new addition below.

READ MORE: Avalanche Sign Defenseman Alex Gagne to Entry-Level Deal

In case you missed it from over the weekend.

READ MORE: Former Avalanche Forward Leads Teams USA to Hlinka Gretzky Cup Championship

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: This story is so recent that Dan Kingerski, who is insanely fast with Penguins news, hasn’t yet written a story. At least not at the time of me writing this. There will probably be something up on PHN by the time you’re reading this, though.

Anyway, Elliotte Friedman wrote on Sportsnet on Monday that a new buyer has emerged for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The franchise was sold to Fenway Sports Group in 2021 for 900 million, and could now be sold for almost double. Read more about the new interested party here on Sportsnet.

Also, you know that terrible 2024-25 Pittsburgh season? Check out some of their EDGE & skating stats. It certainly matches the eye test.

San Jose Hockey Now: Another rebuilding team, the Sharks are looking to take a step in their development. Here’s what they’ll need from three of their top young guns in order to do that.

Florida Hockey Now: Here’s a fun offseason story on the history of the Florida Panthers. They’ve come a long way.