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).

The post Deen’s Daily: McDavid Might Not Sign Before Opening Night; PTOs Abound; Avalanche in National Spotlight appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche are back at it tonight as they head on the road to take on Utah Hockey Club. Colorado is riding a three-game winning streak and looks to avenge a home loss to Utah earlier in the month.

But the game to keep an eye on is the one that follows. After the one-day trip to Utah, the Avs have three days off again before hosting the Winnipeg Jets on New Year’s Eve. Here’s why that game is crucial for Colorado entering the new year.

Around the NHL

World Junior Championship: The World Juniors began on Thursday with four games, neither of which had a surprising result. First, Sweden defeated Slovakia 5-2 led by Axel Sandin Pellikka’s natural hat trick. Team USA had a resounding 10-4 triumph over Germany in the next game. Then, Czechia got one over Switzerland, winning 5-1 before Team Canada capped off the day with a 4-0 shutout over Finland.

Top Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie centered the top line but did not record a point. He was flanked by Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Bradley Nadeau. Cowan scored an unassisted goal in the second period. Ritchie is an alternate captain for the Canadians and one of the older players on the roster as a 2023 draft pick.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks host the Vegas Golden Knights in the late game tonight. Here’s an update on the injury status of forward William Eklund. Also, if you’re a CHN+ member, our team in San Jose has two paywall stories worth checking out. Friendly reminder that subscribing to CHN+ grants you access to all paywall content for the other websites in the National Hockey Now Network.

The first is a feature on goalie Yaroslav Askarov, who, in my opinion, needs to take over full-time starter duties as soon as possible. The other is a feature on young forward Will Smith. There’s a lot to be excited about in San Jose with this new young core and these are two big pieces of it.

The post Deen’s Daily: World Juniors Opening Day Round Up; Avalanche’s Next Home Game appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.