Deen's Daily
Deen’s Daily: Quiet July 1 For the Avalanche; Marner Happy in Vegas; Blues Make Desperation Deal
Free agency wasn’t quite as insane as it could’ve been. Were the Avs smart to steer clear? Also, the next chapter in Mitch Marner’s career is set to begin.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 1.
Colorado Hockey Now
That wasn’t quite the July 1 we thought it would be. But it seems like it’s setting up for a summer of trades. At least that’s how I’m reading the market.
The Avs have cap space to use and spots in the lineup to fill, and they’re reportedly eyeing the last remaining big fish on the market. And if they don’t get him? The trades will begin. As is usually the case.
Read More: With Ehlers Reportedly in Sight, Avalanche Smartly Play the Waiting Game
The Avs lost two of their own, who both departed via free agency on Tuesday.
Jonathan Drouin landed a two-year deal with the Islanders, and Ryan Lindgren is off to Seattle for four years. Both signed for salaries that wouldn’t have worked for Avs, especially in the roles they would’ve played.
Read More: Jonathan Drouin Lands Big Two-Year Contract With Islanders
Read More: Ryan Lindgren Departs Avalanche For New Deal in Seattle
As for the one thing the Avs did do.
If you’re a fan of Parker Kelly, you’re going to like the four-year deal he signed a year out from the start of the extension.
When we spoke to Chris MacFarland over the weekend, I asked about the status of Martin Necas. MacFarland responded by saying he wouldn’t comment on any of the potential deals for their guys. Which instantly made me think about Kelly, and the idea of locking him up a year in advance, like they did with Logan O’Connor. That ended up being the case.
Now we wait on Necas. Sign? Trade? Let it ride?
Read More: Avalanche Extend Parker Kelly For Four Years — Deal Begins in 2026-27
Around The NHL
I was updating the article below all throughout the day with my thoughts on notable signings around the league. I figured I would plug that before digging into the stories around the National Hockey Now Network.
Given the massive move they made, I think it’s best we start in Vegas.
Vegas Hockey Now: I’m one of those people that hated to see things end the way they did between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Marner. It should’ve never gotten to this, but a change was necessary for both sides. Seeing him look happier was a nice change. Marner admitted that this was where he wanted to be.
GM Kelly McCrimmon was also very complimentary of his new superstar forward.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: One of the depth forwards on my UFA wishlist for the Avs was Justin Brazeau. He ended up landing in Pittsburgh for more than what I would’ve wanted in Colorado.
Montreal Hockey Now: I have no idea what the Blues were thinking, shipping Zach Bolduc to Montreal for Logan Mailloux. Is that the price for right-shot defensemen that haven’t even gained a permanent role in the NHL? Or is this a sign of desperation? Methinks it’s the latter.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils shored up their depth with additions of Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov. They also got the best bargain deal on the market, re-signing their own UFA Jake Allen to a five-year deal.
NYI Hockey Now: I really hope things go well for Drouin on Long Island. That’s a team that has struggled to score in the past. I’m not sure if it’s the best landing spot for him.
Boston Hockey Now: Among the handful of moves the Bruins made, they gave an insane amount of money and term to Tanner Jeannot. But before that, they also made a deal with Edmonton to acquire another depth forward.
Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers took a chance on Oliver Ekman-Larsson two years ago and it worked. Then they went a bit older with Nate Schmidt last year and that worked, too. Now, Jeff Petry gets his turn on their third pair.
Chicago Hockey Now: The Blackhawks handed out big money and term to depth pieces on July 1 in each of the last two years. Not this time.
