Deen's Daily
Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Alumni Game Today! — Rosters Revealed; Will Makar Sign For 8 Years?
The Avalanche are playing an Alumni Game against DU at Magness Arena today. Also, the NHLPA’s leadership confirmed a new CBA rule won’t affect Cale Makar in July.
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.
Kind of surprising to see Tyson Barrie on the Avs alumni roster, since he’s not retired yet. I mean, he’s only 34 and should find his way onto a roster, I would hope. I don’t think he has a place on the Avs roster, unfortunately – with already 4 RD on the active roster, and with EJ still a possible signee. Also interesting that Rycroft is playing with the Avs alums, and not the DU alums, since he fits both bills.
My guess is they flipped or Rock/Paper/Scissors for Rycroft. The Avs obviously lost!
Watch his interview with DNVR. It certainly sounds like he’s retired, but hasn’t officially announced it yet.