Deen’s Daily: McDavid Might Not Sign Before Opening Night; PTOs Abound; Avalanche in National Spotlight

The Avalanche are going to be in the national spotlight quite a bit this season. Also, PTOs are getting announced and the league’s best player and his next contract just might be the biggest storyline of the season for a long time.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 28.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche are going to be in the national spotlight this season. For good reason.

Along with the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings, Colorado will have the second most nationally broadcasted games on the calendar this year, appearing on TNT, ABC, or ESPN a combined 17 times. Only Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals (18) will have more games featured. This is potentially Ovechkin’s last year in the NHL, so it makes sense.

Catch the Avs’ full national broadcast schedule below.

READ MORE: Avalanche Will Be Spotlighted on National Broadcasts 17 Times in 2025-26

If you haven’t seen it already, Barrie’s Instagram post that announced his retirement on Tuesday was hilarious.

Also, the Carolina Hurricanes are throwing professional tryouts around ahead of training camp. They’ve added two former Avalanche skaters from last season as invites. Will either of them land a contract? I have my doubts.

READ MORE: Carolina Hurricanes Sign Two Former Avs to PTOs

Around The NHL

McDavid Talks Contract: At the opening day of the Hockey Canada orientation camp, McDavid was asked about his pending contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers right away. Like, it was the first question. At a camp meant for the Olympics. And I don’t blame the reporter at all, this is the biggest story in the league and will be until he signs.

Sportsnet had a write up on the situation. Ultimately, McDavid’s comments on Wednesday made it clear that there is a possibility he won’t sign an extension before opening night. That’s not something anyone would’ve predicted three months ago.

Marner Answers Questions: Mitch Marner was also courted by media on Day 1. As you’d expect, he answered questions that were Leafs related.

The camp continues on Thursday, and I wonder if either of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, or Devon Toews will eventually be made available. I’m curious what they have to say about a wide range of topics after nearly four months since the Game 7 loss. As you can probably tell, I’m excited to get going with media day here in Denver in a few weeks.

San Hockey Now: The Sharks new arena deal includes all kinds of big updates to their home. You can learn more about what’s coming here.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings have high hopes for Axel Sandin Pellikka. And as you’d imagine, the young Swedish prospect is pretty excited to get going at training camp. I envision he’ll be a huge piece alongside Simon Edvinsson on the second pair for years to come. (That’s if the Wings don’t dangle him as trade bait to get Mason McTavish).