We are getting dangerously close to the return of hockey to the NHL. As September approaches, season previews are starting to emerge and Sportsnet has taken a look at the biggest unanswered questions heading into the season for every team in the Central Division.
With the Colorado Avalanche, I spoke to an NHL scout in the East about players the Avalanche acquired and received some interesting information on how opposing teams view the organization.
All this and more in this Monday edition of Evan’s Daily.
Colorado Hockey Now
Ross Colton, Miles Wood and Jonathan Drouin all come to the Avalanche from the Eastern Conference. That being said, I spoke to an NHL scout who mostly sticks to the East and got his thoughts on these three players. In doing so, they mentioned something I was wondering: the Avalanche (and their style) can help even average players produce more than most think they should.
Eastern Conference scouts talk avalanche acquisitions and philosophy (+)
Terrible news from Seattle, like Joonas Donskoi announced his retirement due to concussions. He plays two seasons with the Avalanche and missed the entire 2022/23 season with a head injury.
Around the NHL
Sportsnet looked at the biggest questions facing teams across the Central Division.
I guess Avalanche’s response wasn’t that surprising, because we all know they need to find a Devon Toews extension ASAP. The same goes for Winnipeg, as no one expects Hellebuyck or Scheifele to stick around for the entire season.
The Dallas question is an interesting one, and I’ve talked about it before: do they have enough on defense against Miro Heiskanen?
National hockey now
The top 5 overrated Pittsburgh Penguins players of all time.
Who are the Florida Panthers Are you going to lock it next?
Timeline for Max PaciorettyIt’s still unclear when ice will return to ice.
An interesting story here, as the Carolina Hurricanes threatened to fire his AHL-affiliated coach during the playoffs because he wasn’t playing the goaltending the Hurricanes wanted him to play.
