Deen’s Daily: Pivotal Avalanche Season Ahead; Red Wings Interested in McTavish

The Avs should be feeling the pressure heading into the 2025-26 season after winning just one playoff series in three years. Also, the Red Wings are reportedly interested in a young centerman and there’s a crazy story out of Pittsburgh this morning.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 10.

Colorado Hockey Now

I went deep into weeds on Saturday about what I felt the Avs have not done well since winning in 2022. And, at the same time, what they need to do to regain their status as one of the NHL’s best in the playoffs.

This year is going to be pivotal. There will understandably be a lot of pressure on the core, the front office, and the coaching staff. Click below to read what I feel are three things standing between the team and another Stanley Cup run.

READ MORE: 3 Things Standing Between the Avalanche and Another Long Stanley Cup Run

Also, the Joel Kiviranta signing led me to a quick glance at the Avs’ depth chart.

READ MORE: Avalanche Depth Chart: Lineup Coming Together but Still an Unfinished Product

Around The NHL

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings haven’t done much this offseason, which probably isn’t a bad thing considering all the silly contracts they’ve handed out on July 1 since 2022. But they’re ready to inject youth into their lineup, and it looks like they’ve got their eyes set on Mason McTavish.

That would be a fun pickup for the Wings. But if it means sending Axel Sandin Pellikka the other way then they’ll really have to think long and hard about this one. Here’s the full story on where the report originated from, and what it would take.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Check out this crazy story from Dan Kingerski, highlighting something that could’ve altered hockey history. Dan also wrote what he believes are the five most overrated Penguins in the Sidney Crosby era.

Vegas Hockey Now: Are the Vegas Golden Knights, with Mitch Marner in and Alex Pietrangelo out, still considered a top five Stanley Cup contender?