Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Add Experience To Bednar’s Staff; Defense Trade Market is Heating Up

The Avalanche finally made an assistant coach hire, and the newest member of Jared Bednar’s staff comes with ample NHL experience. Also, defensemen are becoming more readily available on the trade market by the day.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 8.

Colorado Hockey Now

The coaching carousel continued for the Avalanche. For the fourth time in two months, Colorado had one of own get hired to a different organization. Most recently is skills coach Toby Petersen.

The Avs announced earlier in the month that Mark Letestu was taking over head coaching duties for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. Petersen, who was working with the NHL club, joining the Dallas Stars to coach their AHL club. I wonder if the Eagles job was something Petersen was eyeing and opted to depart the organization after it was filled.

Petersen spent two years with the Avs and was always a great hockey mind to chat with. The Avs haven’t yet announced his replacement.

Read More: Avalanche’s Skills Coach Departs for Stars AHL Job

Colorado did make a notable hire on Tuesday. Two months after being eliminated by the Dallas Stars and firing assistant coach Ray Bennett, the Avs finally hired his replacement.

I was surprised to see that they opted to go with someone that has head coaching experience, as those guys don’t often stay for long. One of the constants for the Avalanche over the last nine years has been the consistency of head coach Jared Bednar’s staff. Hiring a former head coach means you’re likely going to see him depart in the coming years for another head coaching opportunity. The NHL often recycles head coaches. I don’t think this is going to be any different.

Anyway, here’s everything you need to know about Dave Hakstol.

Read More: Avalanche Hire Dave Hakstol as Assistant Coach

Around The NHL

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers extended a key piece of their blueline for the foreseeable future on Monday.

New Jersey Hockey Now: I wrote about this a couple of days ago, too, but the Devils might hold the biggest trade chip of the offseason.

NYI Hockey Now: Are the Isles getting enough credit for their moves this offseason?

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks are likely trading a defenseman. Should Colorado try to acquire one of their left-shot blueliners?

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights landed the biggest free agent in recent memory. Is it enough to improve their roster from a year ago?