Deen’s Daily: Vesey Leaves NHL; Remaining Unsigned RFA’s; EA Sports NHL 26 Cover Athlete; Lemieux’s Ownership Bid

Another one of the Avalanche’s UFA’s has officially the departed the organization. Which RFA’s are still unsigned around the league? Also, EA Sports revealed its next cover athlete.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 4.

Colorado Hockey Now

Jimmy Vesey was one of the last remaining NHL regulars from last year’s Avs roster that hadn’t yet signed a new deal. He’s finally got one, and it’s not with the Avalanche. It’s not even in the NHL.

I believe that now leaves only Joel Kiviranta and Erik Johnson as the last remaining unsigned UFA’s from last year’s team.

READ MORE: Avalanche’s UFA Forward Signs in Swiss League

Also, here’s my story from Friday on the curious decision by Hockey Canada to only invite three goalies to the late-August orientation camp.

READ MORE: No Blackwood or Thompson? Canada Only Invites 3 Goalies to Orientation Camp

Around The NHL

Unsigned RFA’s: Sportsnet released an article early on Monday highlighting all the unsigned RFA’s around the league heading into the new season. These are players that didn’t have arbitration rights, and don’t have much in terms of negotiating power with their respective clubs.

I knew Marco Rossi and Mason McTavish were two of the bigger names still without a contract, but when you see the entire list written down, it really is loaded with talent. You can check it out here, courtesy of Luke Fox.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Luke Hughes might be the most valuable RFA still without a contract. The Devils want to lock him up long term, but his brother Jack Hughes’ deal might be impeding any progress on that front.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The latest 32 Thoughts podcast had an update on Mario Lemieux’s bid to buy back the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s not the best news for fans hopeful that it happens. At least not yet. Speaking of the Pens, what are they going to do with all their young skaters?

San Jose Hockey Now: John Tavares, who was selected No. 1 overall 15 years before Macklin Celebrini, had some valuable advice for the young Sharks centerman.

Florida Hockey Now: Matthew Tkachuk is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the faces of the game. Despite (likely) starting the 2025-26 season injured, he was named the cover athlete for the latest EA Sports NHL 26 video game.