Deen’s Daily: Burns Brings the Beard to Denver; Isles Land KHL Star; Ehlers Decision Coming?

The Avalanche added a grizzled veteran on the blue line. Where does he fit? Also, Pius Suter is off the board and the top KHL UFA has signed an NHL contract.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 3.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche didn’t strike on July 1. They also didn’t sign Nikolaj Ehlers on July 2. Actually, Ehlers still hasn’t made a decision on where he’ll play next, albeit Carolina and Washington are the rumored favorites.

But the Avs did sign Brent Burns, along with his glorious beard. And I’m very, very intrigued by this move. Burns is 40 years old but can provide a lot of things the team needs. His size, penalty-killing prowess, puck-moving ability, and reliability are all great qualities of his game.

His personality as a veteran presence will also mesh well. (I honestly can’t wait to ask him, off the record, about the Carolina Mikko Rantanen experience).

Read More: Veteran Defenseman Brent Burns Agrees To One-Year Deal with Avalanche

Around The NHL

Pius Suter Signs With Blues: The best remaining center on the market has been plucked by the St. Louis Blues, signing for two years with a $4.125 million AAV. I thought he’d get $4.5 million with term, so this isn’t a bad signing at all. I would’ve loved for the Avs to get their hands on this guy for the third line if the money made sense.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders are landing the top KHL free agent. Forward Maxim Shabanov signed a one-year entry level contract on Wednesday. Listed at just 5’8, 157 lbs, the 24-year-old has spent his entire career playing in Russia. I’m really curious to see if his game translates. He had 67 points in 65 games last year, before posting 10 goals and 10 assists in 21 postseason games.

Vegas Hockey Now: Want to know how much value right-shot defenseman hold in the NHL these days? Wait until you see the gamble the Vegas Golden Knights made with one of their young RHD.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Speaking of defensemen, the Pens are taking a chance on a young blueliner looking to kickstart his career with a fresh opportunity.

Montreal Hockey Now: Where does Zach Bolduc fit in the Habs’ lineup?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings signed a depth forward to a two-year deal. Was it even necessary?

Ottawa Hockey Now: Lars Eller is still kickin’ it in the NHL after signing on to join the Ottawa Senators. Where does he fit?