Evan’s NHL Daily: Scout Talks Avalanche, Biggest Questions In Central

We are getting dangerously close to NHL hockey returning. With the calendar nearing September, season previews are starting to pop up, and Sportsnet took a look at the biggest unanswered questions heading into the season for all the Central Division teams.

With the Colorado Avalanche, I spoke to an NHL scout out East about the players the Avalanche acquired, and received some interesting tidbits on how opposing teams view the organization.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Ross Colton, Miles Wood, and Jonathan Drouin all are coming to the Avalanche from the Eastern Conference. With that being the case, I spoke to an NHL scout who mainly sticks to the East, and got their opinion on those three players. While doing so, they mentioned something I had been wondering – The Avalanche (and their style) can help even average players produce more than what most think they should

Eastern Conference Scout Talks Avalanche Acquisitions, Philosophy (+)

Terrible news out of Seattle, as Joonas Donskoi has announced his retirement due to concussions. He plays two season with the Avalanche, and missed all of the 2022/23 season due to a head injury.

Around The NHL

Sportsnet took a look at the biggest questions facing teams in the Central Division.

I guess the Avalanche answer wasn’t that surprising, as we all know they need to figure out a Devon Toews extension sooner rather than later. Same goes for Winnipeg, as no one expects Hellebuyck or Scheifele to stick around all season.

The Dallas question is interesting, and one I mentioned before – do they have enough on defense past Miro Heiskanen?

National Hockey Now

The top 5 overrated Pittsburgh Penguins players of all-time.

Who are the Florida Panthers going to lock up next?

Timeline for Max Pacioretty‘s return to the ice is still unclear.

Interesting story here, as the Carolina Hurricanes threatened to fire their AHL affiliate coach during the playoffs because he wasn’t playing the goalie the Hurricanes wanted him to play.