Evan’s NHL Daily: Former Avalanche Player Drama, McDavid Is Back

It’s been an exciting few weeks around the NHL for a few former Avalanche players. First, you had Nikita Zadorov ask for and receive a trade. Now, Tyson Barrie wants out, but his GM, Barry Trotz, is not happy that news got out of his trade demand.

Around the NHL, Connor McDavid is clearly back, and that’s really bad news for the rest of the league.

The Avalanche got some good news on the injury front, even though they might not see Lehkonen until the New Year.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Looking back at the loss to the Winnipeg Jets and wonder…where the heck is Mikko Rantanen?

On Thursday, Artturi Lehkonen started light skating, a big step in his recovery from a neck injury.

It’s from Thursday, but I had a nice chat with Tomas Tatar, and wanted to re-post it. It’s not gone well in Colorado, but he’s trying to focus on the team right now. (+)

The Avalanche will host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. As usual, we’ll be live and in the locker room, so stay tuned for coverage.

NHL Trade News

A few days ago, word got out that Tyson Barrie wanted a trade from the Nashville Predators. Since being acquired at the deadline last season, it hasn’t been a great fit.

Barry Trotz, Nashville’s GM, was NOT happy that the news got out.

“We talked to the agent and really disappointed it got out because there’s only four people in the world that know about any conversation about anything, and somehow it got out,” Trotz said. “So, I was very disappointed on that process and it didn’t come from the Preds — I do know that 100 percent. Obviously, someone felt it should be out there, so they put it out there and from my standpoint, we will get on the phones and say, ‘Obviously Tyson is not happy in his situation right now, is there any takers?’ There might be, there might not.

“…Different players react differently. I didn’t like the way he reacted to it. … I think the player just being in the final year of his contract just feels like A- he’s got to be playing on a pretty regular basis or hopefully if it’s not a fit, look for other opportunities. Everything is dictated on his play. He has to be a good player for us so he can be a good player for anybody in the league if we do decide to move him.”

Tyson Barrie got back in the lineup, and when asked about the demand, responded.

Tyson Barrie: “Well, if we’re getting into it, I’m in the stands so it doesn’t really feel like a great fit. My goal is to be playing hockey. Whether that’s here or elsewhere is up for the powers that be to decide.”

— Robby Stanley (@RStanleyNHL) December 7, 2023

We don’t often get drama like this in the NHL, so it’s pretty fun. I’m not sure what Nashville could even get for him right now if they wanted to move him. He’s expensive and hasn’t played great. Not a good combination. For what it’s worth, I love Barrie as a person. He’s one of the nicest players I’ve covered on the Avalanche, so I hope he finds himself in a great spot soon.

Around The NHL

The NHL had some fun when the Edmonton Oilers looked down and out, but no one is laughing anymore. Connor McDavid is back, and the Edmonton Oilers look well on their way to making the playoffs yet again.

CONNOR MCDAVID, WE ARE NOT WORTHY 🔥😱 pic.twitter.com/4f1K9ACXx5

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 9, 2023

McDavid has 24 points in his last 10 games, and is back in the hunt for the scoring lead in the NHL.

National Hockey Now

It’s not working for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Time for Kyle Dubas to follow through.

The trade market is pretty weak right now. So weak that the Philadelphia Flyers are trying to get a first rounder for Sean Walker.

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