Evan’s Daily: NHL Legend Retires, McDavid Nearing Return

Everyone already figured he was done playing hockey, but on Saturday, an NHL legend made it official – he’s calling it a career. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid is pushing to return for the Heritage Classic on Sunday, as he skated with his team on Saturday evening.

With the Colorado Avalanche, it was a quiet day, but I dug into the team depending on Alexandar Georgiev so much, and how the concern isn’t so much physical exhaustion at the moment.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Alexandar Georgiev has started all seven games for the Avalanche, and looks to be the starter on Sunday. My concern isn’t so much physical exhaustion, though…

On Sunday, the Avalanche will take on Erik Johnson and the Buffalo Sabres. And yes, that sounds very strange to say.

Around The NHL

Joe Thornton hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2021-22 season, so this hardly comes as a surprise, but on Saturday, he made it official – he’s calling it a career.

Thornton was the 1st overall pick way back in 1997, and lived up to the hype. He won a Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy with the San Jose Sharks, and retires with the 7th most assists in NHL history. For years, he and the Sharks terrorized the Avalanche, as the team couldn’t handle the big center.

And yes, he was shirtless in his retirement video. What else would you expect?

Best of luck to Thornton in retirement, although it sounds like he’ll still just be hanging around ice rinks.

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid appears to be ahead of schedule, and will likely play in Sunday’s Heritage Classic. Somebody has to win the matchup between the Flames and the Oilers, right?

National Hockey Now

The Pittsburgh Penguins lost on Saturday, but the bigger concern is the health of former Penguins forward Adam Johnson, who was seriously injured while playing in Britain. He was cut in the neck with a skate blade during a game. I sincerely hope he’s okay, and my thoughts are with his family.

UPDATE: Since posting, terrible news has come down. Johnson tragically passed away from the skate blade cut. Just awful news. Deepest condolences to his family and all his loved ones.

Former Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov shutout the Blue Jackets in the Islanders victory.

The Washington Capitals are suddenly winning games.

I don’t know if they want to keep winning, but the Montreal Canadiens keep finding ways to pick up points.

The Devils will have to play without Nico Hischier for at least one game.