Evan’s NHL Daily: Zegras Contract Update, Captain’s Skates

There are a few RFA’s around the NHL that have yet to sign a contract, but the highest profile one is Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. Is that negotiation nearing an end?

With the Colorado Avalanche, we took a look at Nikolai Kovalenko’s hot start, and Tuesday is the first true sign that the NHL season is getting close.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

The Nikolai Kovalenko hype train is off to a wild start this year, as the 23 year old winger started the season hot for Torpedo, and did so while wearing the “C” on his jersey.

A wrap-up of everything from the previous week at CHN, including what an NHL scout had to say about some of the pickups the Avalanche made.

Captain’s Skates

I’ve been saying for weeks now that most players start arriving to town around Labor Day. Well, the Avalanche are anticipating that as well. Starting Tuesday, they’ve got over two hours of ice-time blocked off every day for “Captain’s Skates” at Family Sports. I’ll make a stop by on Tuesday to see whose in town, and probably upload some video.

Trevor Zegras Update

Most big NHL Contracts have been completed by now, but one of the few RFA’s remaining is Trevor Zegras with the Anaheim Ducks. According to Elliotte Friedman, it doesn’t seem like Zegras and the Ducks are thinking long-term right now.

Small tidbit on Trevor Zegras at 4:32:

“One of the things we’re hearing is that’s likely to be a bridge deal. It doesn’t look like that’s going to be a long-term deal. It sounds like Zegras and the Ducks—when it gets done—is going to be a bridge.#FlyTogether https://t.co/zNVAQlE5YH

— Derek Lee (@Derek_Lee27) September 4, 2023

If you ask me, this makes some sense for the Ducks. They probably view Leo Carlsson as their future #1 center, and may not think Zegras has done enough to warrant a massive extension. With the cap rising soon, they may just want to see more from him. It also appears he might be headed to the wing soon, and if that happens, he could command less down the line. Cap space isn’t an issue for them, but it’s interesting they aren’t willing to commit just yet.

National Hockey Now

The top five NHL road trips for Pittsburgh Penguins fans. Yes, Colorado made the list.

Will the Bruins make a push for Mark Scheifele?

Are the Red Wings a fit for Patrick Kane?