All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — September 2.

Colorado Hockey Now

I haven’t done it often over the summer, but I took the day off yesterday to get one last hurrah before the madness begins. We’re still right around two weeks away from the real start of everything but the end of August has always been somewhat of a ending to the offseason. We should expect things to take off from here.

As for the Avs, they’re hosting a rookie tournament at the South Suburban Sports Complex in 10 days. Media day follows after that, and then training camp begins on Sept. 18 — two weeks from Thursday.

I’m going to up the coverage here in the next few days with season previews for individual players. It’s an exciting time.

READ MORE: Avalanche’s Prospect Pool Ranked Among the Worst in the NHL

Around The NHL

Montreal Hockey Now: Now that the Habs have paid out the final big lump sum of bonus money to Carey Price, we’ll likely see him traded in the near future to clear cap space off their books. Montreal is roughly $5 million above the cap and could start the season with Price on LTIR to clear the space. But if you have an opportunity to not use LTIR, and have cap flexibility instead, you’re better off. What will they pay to get it done?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It sounds like this could be a big week for the Pens. Fenway Sports Group might be selling the team to a new ownership here soon. And on the ice, the Penguins still have Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell all as hot commodities on the trade market. Can they be the team to acquire Price to obtain draft assets?

Detroit Hockey Now: What if the Pens decide to deal one or two of those trade assets? The Red Wings are a likely landing spot for them. Can Steve Yzerman pull it off? Also, Dylan Larkin is climbing the games played list in Detroit, and he might be one of the best players without Stanley Cup success in franchise history. Can he shake off that label?

Speaking of Red Wings captains, Nick Lidstrom might find his way back in the organization soon.

Philly Hockey Now: What are you most excited for with the Flyers this season? For me, it’s the addition of Rick Tocchet as head coach after the John Tortorella era. And what Tocchet could do for Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras, among others.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Where the Devils rank for under 23 players.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avs Return This Month; Price Trade on the Horizon?; Penguins Sale, Trade Possibilities appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 31.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche are in win now mode. And that’s part of the reason why their prospect pool is among the worst in the NHL. The Athletic and Daily Faceoff both ranked the prospects for each of the 32 franchises, and the Avs are low on each one.

At some point they’ll have to get this figured out. Especially as the pieces around their core start to age out.

READ MORE: Avalanche’s Prospect Pool Ranked Among the Worst in the NHL

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here are three Pens with the most to gain or lose this season.

Philly Hockey Now: Same exercise for the Flyers. I hate to spoil some of the article, but my colleague William James is spot on with Trevor Zegras being at the top of this list. Zegras has an opportunity to cement himself as a No. 1 center with great wingers like Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov. This could be the big break he needs to get over the hump and take that next step in his career. Having Rick Tocchet at the helm sounds like it could be a perfect match for the former Anaheim Ducks center.

Detroit Hockey Now: Pavel Datsyuk was victorious in his farewell match in Russia. It’s hard to believe the once NHL great is now 47 years old.

San Jose Hockey Now: Were there parts of Will Smith’s game that was better than Macklin Celebrini last season? Sheng Peng has more.

Boston Hockey Now: I actually loved reading this a lot more than I thought I would. Andrew Fantuccio broke down the EA Sports ratings for several of the Bruins players. He applied logic to something that sometimes doesn’t have much of it. Who’s overrated? Who’s underrated? And who’s perfectly rated?

If anything, you should see where EA Sports has Casey Mittelstadt,

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche’s Prospect Pool; EA Sports NHL 26 Ratings; Can Zegras Produce in Philly? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 30.

Colorado Hockey Now

The additions of Victor Olofsson and Joel Kiviranta in August means the Avs now have 12 NHL regular veterans under contract for the 2025-26 season. But the expectation is that Logan O’Connor will start the season injured.

That means at least one non-regular should crack the opening roster. Will it be Ivan Ivan for the second year in a row? Or will a new trade acquisition and two rookies give him a run for his money?

READ MORE: 4 Prospects That Could Earn a Permanent Roster Spot With Avalanche

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Assessing the power rankings for the Metropolitan Division. Where will the Pens finish? 

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs upgraded their defense with Noah Dobson. Is it enough? 

Philly Hockey Now: Penn State is hosting Michigan State in an outdoor game on Jan. 31.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers have mostly the same roster as the one that won the Stanley Cup in June. But three new names means new numbers.

Vegas Hockey Now: More on the Mitch Marner exit from Toronto, and how it landed him in Vegas.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Luke Hughes still doesn’t have a contract for this season. Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald talks about the standoff.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche’s Opening Night Roster Spot; Penn State Outdoor Game; Is Dobson Enough For Habs? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 29.

Colorado Hockey Now

Brent Burns and Gabe Landeskog are becoming staples of the Avalanche’s informal skates at Ball Arena. But so are a handful of AHL guys looking to make an impression at training camp. Guys like Nikita Prishchepov, Maros Jedlicka, Matthew Stienburg, Chase Bradley, Sean Behrens, Gavin Brindley and many more.

I suspect we’ll see a ton more veterans trickle into town soon. Things are kicking off in less than three weeks.

READ MORE: Landeskog, Burns, Among Avalanche Participants In Recent Skates 

Around The NHL

Marner Chats with Mark Masters: Mitch Marner say down with TSN’s Mark Masters at the Hockey Canada orientation camp to discuss what ended up being a sad ending for the local kid from his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. Among the things Marner talked about was how safety started becoming an issue. Someone in the city posted his address online following the Game 7 loss and Marner had to spend his last few weeks at home under heavy security. You can read more about his interview here. Pretty crazy stuff.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Connor McDavid is the best hockey player in the world, but he’s not captain Canada. Not while Sidney Crosby is still around. Even at the age of 38.

Detroit Hockey Now: One of Detroit’s former highly touted prospects is facing a four-year doping ban from the IIHF after testing positive for a whopping six banned substances.

Boston Hockey Now: Can the Bruins be a landing spot for McDavid if he actually tests the market next summer? I still believe he’ll stay in Edmonton and probably sign soon. And even if not, it’s hard to imagine Boston would be his top choice.

San Jose Hockey Now: What Dmitry Orlov can bring to the Sharks.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Skating in Colorado; Marner Talks Unceremonious Departure From Toronto appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

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.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Mikhail Gulyayev was drafted by the Avalanche at No. 31 overall in 2023. He’s actually the last first-round draft pick they’ve selected.

This season, the 20-year-old defenseman enters his final year under contract with his KHL club. If he’s looking to make the leap to North America, it could happen in the spring. But most KHL prospects would rather play in the NHL instead of the American Hockey League.

This is going to be a big year for Gulyayev if he wants to get here in 2026.

READ MORE: Mikhail Gulyayev Could Make Jump to Avalanche in 2026

If you haven’t seen it already, Barrie’s Instagram post that announced his retirement on Tuesday was hilarious.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tyson Barrie (@tysonbarrie4)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: As we await word on a potential sale of the Penguins from Fenway Sports Group to the Hoffman family, Dan Kingerski writes how the team can improve with three changes.

San Hockey Now: The Sharks announced a new deal with their arena. It’ll keep them in San Jose for a long, long time.

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins are slated for quite a bit of National TV coverage this season.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Young Devils defenseman has had quite the offseason of training.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are hoping to emulate the step the Ottawa Senators took last year to qualify for the playoffs. Former Sens blueline Travis Hamonic sheds light on how his team did it. Also Lucas Raymond’s favorite European club soccer team sounds familiar to the hockey team he plays for.

The post Deen’s Daily: Gulyayev Enters Pivotal Development Year; Tyson Barrie’s Hilarious Retirement Post; Improving the Penguins appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 26.

Colorado Hockey Now

I wrote on Sunday about the surprisingly fun event that was at Magness Arena. I’ll keep that linked below for anyone who hasn’t gotten a chance to read it yet.

READ MORE: Good Vibes and Memorable Moments at the Avalanche’s Alumni Game

Among the participants for the Avalanche was Tyson Barrie, who spent the season with the Calgary Flames. Barrie announced his retirement early Monday morning, 16 years after he was drafted in the third round by Colorado.

READ MORE: Tyson Barrie Announces Retirement — Played 8 Seasons With Avalanche

Around The NHL

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers’ ability to get Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett all signed have the oddsmakers on their side. Can the Panthers make the Final for the fourth straight season and win it all three years in a row?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens are bringing back their own Hall of Fame and will induct 10 new names spanning several generations of Pittsburgh hockey.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs have a hole at 2C and Kirby Dach is the guy they’ve hoped can fill that role. But he’s coming off another knee injury and was testing his ability in recent days.

Detroit Hockey Now: Past and present Red Wings poised to help CSKA return to the top of the KHL.

 San Hockey Now: What has to go right for the San Jose Sharks to make the playoffs?

The post Deen’s Daily: Tyson Barrie Retirement; Can the Florida Panthers Three-Peat appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 25.

Colorado Hockey Now

What an unexpectedly fun experience it was at Magness Arena. The Avalanche and DU Alumni both embraced what ended up being a pretty entertaining day all around. From the moment the puck dropped, you can tell many of those guys were having fun. Peter Forsberg still enjoys strapping on the skates. Milan Hejduk looks the same way on the ice as he did 15 years ago. And of course, nobody has more fun doing anything in life than Dan Hinote does playing hockey.

Catch my full recap of the experience below.

READ MORE: Good Vibes and Memorable Moments at the Avalanche’s Alumni Game

Johnson didn’t participate in the game but he was in the booth for Altitude TV. At the end of the game, he shared his thoughts on what he’s hoping to accomplish in the coming weeks. EJ is a free agent, but he’s not ready to walk away from the game.

READ MORE: UFA Erik Johnson Still Wants to Play in the NHL

Around The NHL

Vegas Hockey Now: Like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel became eligible for a contract extension on July 1. Why hasn’t he signed yet?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Was the original plan in 2022 for Evgeni Malkin to sign elsewhere as a free agent?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings didn’t add much after acquiring goalie John Gibson. But in free agent James Van Riemsdyk, they like the versatility he brings.

Florida Hockey Now: Evan Rodrigues had quite the day with the Stanley Cup over the weekend.

The post Deen’s Daily: Successful Avalanche Alumni Game; Erik Johnson Wants to Keep Playing appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 24.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche and DU Pioneers are playing an Alumni Game at Magness Arena that will include Peter Forsberg, Milan Hejduk, Adam Foote, and even recently retired Peter Mueller.

Joe Sakic, however, will be behind the bench. The team’s longtime captain won’t be able to dress for this game, as he noted on Saturday while speaking to John Michael Liles.

The Avalanche’s full roster is below.

#Avs Alumni roster at Magness Arena today.

Sakic is coaching, not playing pic.twitter.com/GDIgijQHaf

— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) August 24, 2025

READ MORE: Peter Forsberg is in Town! — Avalanche Prepare for Alumni Game at Magness Arena

Also, Ron Hainsey and Marty Walsh, who are the leadership team for the NHL Players’ Association, were on 32 Thoughts over the weekend. Among the topics they discussed, Hainsey confirmed that the new salary bonus structure limitations, and the new seven-year max-term contracts won’t take effect until Sept. 16, 2026.

That means Cale Makar can sign a contract extension for eight years under the current CBA as long as he locks in his new deal before that date. Makar is ineligible to sign until July 1, 2026.

Will he sign for eight years?

READ MORE: New CBA Changes Likely Won’t Affect Cale Makar’s Next Contract with Avalanche

Around The NHL

Florida Hockey Now: The latest UFA signing, a depth forward, has landed with the Florida Panthers. I’d imagine he’ll get a shot at being an everyday player while Matthew Tkachuk recovers from his injury.

Boston Hockey Now: Hampus Lindholm was also a guest on 32 Thoughts. It doesn’t sound like he’s ready to commit to a rebuild or retool with the Bruins.

Philly Hockey Now: Could Jack Eichel be a realistic UFA option next summer?

Detroit Hockey Now: Steve Yzerman is a fan of the new 84-game schedule coming to the NHL in 2026-27.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Fenway Sports Group got a lot right, but they leave a bad taste as they move forward with trying to sell the Penguins.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Alumni Game Today! — Rosters Revealed; Will Makar Sign For 8 Years? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 23.

Colorado Hockey Now

Peter Forsberg is in town. So is Milan Hejduk. And Adam Foote. And of course, the Avalanche’s president of hockey operations Joe Sakic.

The Avalanche are playing Denver University in an Alumni Game on Sunday at Magness Arena to kick off celebrations for their 30th season since relocating from Quebec City.

I’ll be there, and I’m excited to see what they have in store.

Also, it’s pretty cool to see that Peter Mueller is also here.

READ MORE: Peter Forsberg is in Town! — Avalanche Prepare for Alumni Game at Magness Arena

Around The NHL

Florida Hockey Now: It’s felt for months like things were heading in this direction, but it appears that Matthew Tkachuk has reportedly opted to have surgery. If this is confirmed, he’ll definitely start the year on LTIR to keep the Panthers cap compliant while he’s absent.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins are in uncharted territory heading into the new season. They’re not the same Cup contenders they’ve been in past years.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders season will be decided by two key players, Russ Macias writes.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Aging goaltending, a defense core that needs to step up, and the health of Jack Hughes. These are just some of the storylines that could make or break the Devils season. How concerned should they be?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here’s a nice stroll down memory lane. The five worst Penguins trades in the Sidney Crosby era.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Alumni Game on Sunday; Surgery for Matthew Tkachuk appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.