Evan’s NHL Daily: Kovalenko Prepping For North America, Toews Steps Away

Jonathan Toews isn’t quite ready to retire from the NHL, but he’s not going to be playing anywhere next season.

With the Colorado Avalanche, Ivan Zhigalov is sitting without a job in the middle of August, and Nikolai Kovalenko is prepping for North America.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

When I spoke to Ivan Zhigalov back in early July, he was so excited to play in his hometown in Belarus. A lot has changed, however, as his contract has been terminated, and he’s now looking to come back to North America.

Contract For Avalanche Goaltending Prospect Terminated In Belarus; Where Will He Play?

I’ve been watching a lot of Ross Colton, and I can already tell he’ll be a fan favorite. His film room/analysis will likely be ready Monday.

Kovalenko Preps For NHL

Even the KHL knows Nikolai Kovalenko is headed to the NHL next year, but his team is actually helping him prepare for it.

Training camp for Torpedo has been going on for well over a week now, and Kovalenko has played in one preseason game for them. Off the ice, they’re helping him get prepared for North America.

How? English lessons.

“And a foreign language teacher comes to our Little Tank, Kolya Kovalenko,” Assistant Coach Mikhail Vasilyev said. “Kolya is hard at work studying English, which we believe will help him gain a foothold in the NHL next year.”

It’s a mild surprise to hear a KHL team helping him prepare for moving to a new country, but good news either way. Anything to ease the transition.

Around the NHL

Jonathan Toews will be sitting out next season, but it’s not quite a retirement. At least, not right now.

Jonathan Toews’ Instagram Posts Provide Closure for Blackhawks Fans

I don’t know how you sit out another year and come back, but I guess he’ll try.

Sad news out of Buffalo, as Rick Jeanneret, broadcasting legend for the Sabres, passed away on Thursday evening. May he rest in peace. Here’s one of his more famous goal calls over the years.

National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh: What kind of season can the Penguins expect out of Erik Karlsson?

Florida: Looking ahead to the Panthers defensemen.

Detroit: Sorting out what the Red Wings defense will look like.

Montreal: Kent Hughes is doing his best to change the perception of the Canadiens.

Nashville: Time for a Predators mailbag.