Evan’s NHL Daily: Rival Makes Big Move, Fleury Going Nowhere

One move on Wednesday evening may just kick-start a slew of trades leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline. That move just happened to involve a division rival for the Avalanche getting better without having to give up a whole lot.

Meanwhile, Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been a name linked to the Avalanche all season long, doesn’t appear as though he’ll be going anywhere prior to next week. Is Colorado still looking for a goaltender?

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Was Tuesday’s game against the Stars the best game Alexandar Georgiev has played in months?

Georgiev is improving, Ivan Prosvetov is tearing up the AHL, and Justus Annunen is getting more comfortable in the NHL. Did the swap Colorado made during the All-Star break change what they’ll do in net? (+)

On Thursday, the Avalanche play the Chicago Blackhawks, and the final trade board for the team leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline will be available.

Dallas Makes A Move

“That’s it? That’s all Dallas had to pay to get Chris Tanev?”

That was my initial thought when I saw the return Calgary got for Tanev, who is a very good NHL defenseman. Over the past few weeks, the rumblings were that the Flames were holding out for a first round pick. They didn’t get that at all. Instead, they got a second rounder, which should be a late pick, a prospect who doesn’t appear to have much of a future, and a third rounder which might not even be a pick at all.

Full trade, per sources:
To #TexasHockey: Chris Tanev (75% retained), Cole Brady
To #Flames: 2024 2nd Rd Pick, Artem Grushnikov, Conditional 2026 3rd Rd Pick, (50% of Tanev $)
To #njdevils: DAL 2026 4th Rd Pick (25% of Tanev $)

Condition: Only transfers if DAL goes to SC Final.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 29, 2024

The wild part is that 75% of Tanev’s contract is being retained, thanks to New Jersey getting involved. The Flames have made three deals this year, and the Lindholm one is the only one where I think they did OK. The Tanev and Zadorov ones have left me scratching my head, as defensemen usually cost an arm and a leg to acquire.

As for the Stars, that’s such an easy trade to make. Tanev is still a really good player, and immediately makes them better and tougher to play against.

Winnipeg made their move. The Stars have now made their move. The Avalanche are up next…I think. In the recent days, people were saying a Tanev trade could kick-start more moves leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, so we’ll see if this is the beginning of the madness.

Fleury Going Nowhere

It looks like you can take Marc-Andre Fleury off your wishlists, Avalanche fans.

One important development as we head towards the trade deadline: Minnesota has indicated it will not move Marc-Andre Fleury. They are happy to keep him.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 28, 2024

I’m guessing Fleury made this decision. He’s won a lot in the NHL, and likely doesn’t want to live out of a hotel for a few months at this stage in his career. The Wild are pushing for a playoff spot, but it still seems unlikely they’ll get one. Are we witnessing the last few months of Fleury’s NHL career?

National Hockey Now

What are the Penguins asking for Jake Guentzel? A lot, apparently.

NHL players usually don’t talk about contract negotiations, but Jake Debrusk is different, I guess.

Kaapo Kahkonen would be a good pick-up if the Avalanche are looking for a goalie, and he knows what to expect heading into the NHL Trade Deadline.

The Flames didn’t get a first rounder for Tanev. Can the Flyers get one for Sean Walker?

Tommy Novak might be on the move is an extension isn’t signed.