Evan’s Daily: UFA Options For Avalanche, Rantanen Headed to World Championships, Draisaitl’s Effort Wasted

Four goal performances are getting wasted in the NHL playoffs. For the second straight night, a four goal effort didn’t matter, as the Edmonton Oilers still lost to the Vegas Golden Knights.

For the Avalanche, we took an early peak at who might fit for Colorado when NHL free agency starts. Also, Mikko Rantanen appears headed to his home country of Finland to represent his country in the World Championships.

All this and more in this Thursday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

NHL free agency opens in less than two months, so we started looking at who might fit well with the Avalanche. It’s not a great free agent class, especially for the Avalanche, who need a second line center, but there are some players they may get value from. Check out the list here.

Taking a look back at the playoff performances from the Avalanche with grades. There were quite a few players who underperformed, especially in the bottom six. (+)

World Championships

Mikko Rantanen, who played in every game for the Avalanche this season, still wants to keep his season going. He’ll be representing his country in the World Championships here soon.

Leijonille taas hienoja uutisia: Mikko Rantanen saapuu MM-kotikisoihin! Lue lisää: https://t.co/3rkVtkl7mY#Leijonat #MMkisat #MMkotikisat #IIHFWorlds #WeLiveTheGame @Avalance
Kuva: Lehtikuva pic.twitter.com/hTKJbaTpv9

— Leijonat (@leijonat) May 3, 2023

Artturi Lehkonen, however, will not be joining him, as he suffered an injury in round one against the Kraken.

Artturi Lehkonen, on the other hand, won’t be able to compete for Finland at World Championships. He suffered an injury midway through the Seattle series, I’m told. #Avs https://t.co/bVb8ZSiE2S

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) May 3, 2023

NHL Playoffs

Leon Draisaitl’s four goal performance against the Vegas Golden Knights didn’t matter, as Vegas scored six goals and took game one against the Edmonton Oilers.

Vegas couldn’t slow down Draisaitl, but they did manage to slow down Connor McDavid in the win.

New Jersey was held to a one shot on goal in the first period, and was never able to recover, as the Carolina Hurricanes dominated and took Game One at home.

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