Evan’s NHL Daily: Girard Returns, Compher Playing ‘Elite’ In Detroit

When J.T. Compher left the Avalanche in NHL Free Agency, it looked like he got overpaid pretty badly. Over $25 million to play for the next five seasons was a lot for a guy who only hit 50 points once in the NHL. Well, he’s gone to Detroit and performed quite well, and now, he’s getting a chance to center their top two wingers.

In Colorado, Samuel Girard will return to game action on Sunday night, and on Saturday, he spoke to the media for the first time since entering the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program last month.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Taking a look back at the win over the Blues, where Josh Manson turned into a beast and the team settled down a little defensively.

After practice Saturday, Sam Girard spoke for the first time since returning to the team, and discussed why it was necessary for him to step away from the Avalanche.

Compher Getting Opportunities In Detroit

For years, J.T. Compher was a solid depth player in Colorado. He was a pretty consistent point producer on the third line, and got opportunities in the top six when necessary. The staff trusted him to play in all situations and he earned that trust. After having his best NHL season last year while playing a lot with Mikko Rantanen, he just got a little too pricey for Colorado, and left in free agency.

Compher signed with the Detroit Red Wings, and since day one, has fit in nicely. His underlying numbers aren’t exactly all that pretty (42.98 CF%), but the production has been there, as he has 22 points in 31 games.

Now, he’s essentially their top line center, if only for a few games.

Compher is now centering Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, and earning the praise of the coaching staff.

“Our 1 and 2 centers are playing like elite 1 and 2 centers,” Derek Lalonde said. “I think both are getting their game back in order. I think J.T. had an excellent game (Friday) night.”

Compher is expected to be the guy at the net with those wingers, something they didn’t really want Dylan Larkin doing. They’ve moved Larkin to a different line so he can control the puck more.

While his underlying numbers leave a lot to be desired, Compher has once again found a coaching staff that trusts him and is chipping in offensively.

Around The NHL

Can the Winnipeg Jets just stop winning?

The Edmonton Oilers took down the Kings in a shootout to get some crucial points, but they’ve still got some climbing to do to get into a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

National Hockey Now

Evgeni Malkin is back to being a beast for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sharks Captain Logan Couture is getting closer to a return. Wonder if a trade happens at any point.

Just what everyone needs – the Nashville Predators finding another elite goaltender.