Evan’s NHL Daily: Rantanen The Most Underrated? Trade Market Update

The salary cap stayed flat over the summer for NHL teams, but there are still a few squads open for business, and to no one’s surprise, it’s the teams that have cap space that they can weaponize.

With the Colorado Avalanche, Cale Makar made history (again) and Georgiev looks stronger than ever.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Everyone knows that Cale Makar is special, but don’t take for granted just how special he is. On Tuesday, he hit 250 points faster than any defenseman in NHL history. Yes, you read that right. Makar is just THAT good.

The Avalanche are off to a 3-0 start, and a big reason why is the play of Alexandar Georgiev in net.

On Thursday, the Avalanche open their home schedule, taking on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. We’ll also take note at how folks might need to be a little more patient with the new additions.

NHL Trade Market

There are three NHL teams open for business, and two of them have cap space and aren’t afraid to use it. (+)

Rantanen The Most Underrated Player?

I’m not much of a fan of Spittin’ Chiclets. To be honest, I don’t listen to many hockey podcasts, expecially in-season, but they gave a shout-out to Mikko Rantanen, calling him the most underrated player in the NHL. Would you agree?

Mikko Rantanen is the most underrated player in the league.

📺: https://t.co/h3rGrN8rxB pic.twitter.com/1T8fuGpKjm

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 18, 2023

To be honest, I think Mikko is starting to get his flowers. A few outlets ranked him in the top 10 in the NHL. He may not be underrated anymore.

National Hockey Now

We all know Evan Rodrigues can be streaky, but he’s shown he can compliment good players. That’s what he’s doing down in Florida with Barkov and Reinhart.

Alex Debrincat didn’t forget how to score in Ottawa after all. He’s been a scoring machine early for the Detroit Red Wings.

The Kirby Dach injury might provide a reality check for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Chicago Blackhawks are off to a decent start, and a young goalie is impressing everyone.

On the Pat McAfee show, PK Subban told a story about how he defended Jack Hughes before everyone knew he was a star.