Evan’s NHL Daily: Former Avalanche Goalie Retires, Flames/Jets Trade Updates

He didn’t play for the Colorado Avalanche for very long, but Jonathan Bernier was a crucial part of the 2017/18 team that turned the franchise around, and helped get them into the playoffs. On Monday, he announced his retirement from the NHL.

Remember the beginning of this off-season, when the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames were the teams to watch on the trade front? Well, not a ton has happened, so what’s the update there?

All that and more int his Tuesday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Big surprise: Cale Makar was picked the best defenseman in the league by the NHL Network. Where did they put Devon Toews, though?

And we took a deeper look at Ross Colton, and why he’s likely to be play a huge role on the Avalanche over the next few years. (+)

Film And Analysis: Why Ross Colton Will Be The New Swiss Army Knife For The Avalanche (+)

If you are interested in becoming a CHN+ subscriber and reading pieces like this, the code “evan10” gets you a year subscription and ad-free experience for just $19.99!

Bernier Calls It A Career

Jonathan Bernier played only 41 games for the Avalanche, but in 2017/18, he was a big reason why they made the playoffs after a horrendous 2016/17 season. After Semyon Varlamov was injured late in the year, Bernier backstopped the team down the stretch, helping them sneak into the final playoff spot. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to stay healthy himself in the playoffs, and that would be the last we saw of him on the Avalanche.

Still, he helped hold things down for the team in a season that helped rebuild the culture in Colorado.

On Monday, he called it a career, retiring after over 400 NHL games. Former Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov had this to say about Bernier.

The 🐐 with some nice words on former Avalanche goalie Jonathan Bernier, who called it a career today.

Bernier helped that 2017/18 team make the playoffs after the disastrous 16/17 season. pic.twitter.com/XaoNcsu3Uh

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) August 21, 2023

NHL Trade Chatter

Well, it’s almost September, and both the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets are holding onto assets many thought would already have been traded by now. Will either of these teams make moves before the season starts?

On the DFO Rundown, Frank Seravalli said it’s unlikely either of these teams make moves before camp starts. The Flames are still trying to re-sign Elias Lindholm, and his decision could have a ripple effect up and down the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Jets know that Hellebuyck isn’t re-signing, but the goalie market isn’t their friend right now, and at this point, Mark Scheifele is more likely to be a deadline trade. What happens if the Jets are in a playoff spot at that point? Well, they’d be stupid to hold on to either, if you ask me. If you know they aren’t re-signing, you trade them.

National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh: Is it time for a Mike Lange statue?

Boston: The Bruins are bringing in Alex Chiasson on a PTO for camp.

Vegas: The Golden Knights will be streaming all their games next season. Sounds nice…