Deen’s Daily: Johansen Ruling; Big Dubas Interview; Are Avalanche a Top-5 Team?

Ryan Johansen’s grievance with the Flyers is finally reaching a conclusion. Pens GM Kyle Dubas made an appearance on a podcast, and are the Avalanche a top five team heading into the new season?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 13.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche still have to work to do around the edges of their lineup. But having a healthy top six, arguable the best first pair in the NHL, and two solid goaltenders has led to a high ranking in Sportsnet’s summer power rankings.

See where the Avs and other teams were listed below.

READ MORE: Early Favorites? Avalanche Rank High in Sportsnet’s August Power Rankings

Now for the biggest story of the day. TSN’s Darren Dreger had an update on the Ryan Johansen grievance saga, and which way the arbitrator is leaning towards in this case.

Johansen was traded from Colorado to Philadelphia following morning skate on March 6, 2024. When he arrived in Philly and was sent to the AHL, he refused to report, citing an injury. The Flyers terminated his contract that summer because of a breach of contract.

Catch the full details of Dreger’s report below.

Read More: Report: League Rules in Favor of Flyers Regarding Johansen’s Contract Termination

Also, the Avs finalized details on their preseason opener. They’ll host the Utah Mammoth at Magness Arena in the first of two games in two buildings in Denver.

We’re only five and a half weeks away from it.

READ MORE: Avalanche, Mammoth Will Play Preseason Game at Magness Arena

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Cam & Strick Podcast had Penguins GM Kyle Dubas on this week, and it’s a pretty great interview with one of the more fascinating characters in the NHL. Dubas spoke in length about his time with the Leafs, which started with Lou Lamoriello as his boss and Mike Babcock as the team’s head coach.

I do urge anyone looking for offseason content to seek out the podcast on your preferred platform and give the interview a listen. It’s a little over an hour long. Dubas also had this to say about trade possibilities.

Philly Hockey Now: More from our guys at PhHN on the Johansen saga.

San Jose Hockey Now: Is Macklin Celebrini going to take another step, or is he heading towards a sophomore slump?

Chicago Hockey Now: How about a Marian Hossa sighting in 2025? One of my favorite players of his era.