Deen’s Daily: Avs Give Up on Olausson; Time is Ticking on Kadri Controlling His Own Fate

The Avs traded away their 2021 first-round draft pick on Friday, giving up on his stalled development. Also, Nazem Kadri controls his own fate, but not for much longer.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 27.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche dealt Oskar Olausson on Friday, giving up on yet another bust first-round selection.

Olausson was selected late in the first round in 2021 and never really played well enough to garner hype as a first round pick. He finished with less than a half a point per game pace in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles and only got into four NHL games over three years.

Olausson is heading to San Jose where, if he can’t get NHL minutes there, he probably won’t get them anywhere else.

In return, the Avs got a small but shifty forward in Danil Gushchin. I imagine he’s going to play a big role for the Eagles this year.

READ MORE: Avalanche Acquire Danil Gushchin, Trade Former First Round Draft Pick

Around The NHL

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are not on the list of potential destinations for Nazem Kadri. But, my colleague Kevin Allen pointed out that Kadri’s full no-trade shifts to a 13-team no-trade clause next July. That explains why the soon-to-be 35-year-old might be willing to waive for a trade this year. It ensures he gets to completely control where he plays next rather than ending up somewhere he might not want to be.

Chicago Hockey Now: More players are avoiding arbitration. First it was Chicago’s Arvid Soderblom, then Buffalo signed Conor Timmins before his hearing.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens are trying to get younger fast. But they still have veterans like Noel Acciara, Danton Heinen, and Kevin Hayes blocking some of their kids.

Philly Hockey Now: Is Jet Luchanko ready to be a full-time NHLer this season?

San Jose Hockey Now: What do non-Sharks employed NHL scouts think of Olausson?

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Sens have spent years building through the draft and most of those guys are on their roster now. Here are their five remaining top prospects.