Evan’s NHL Daily: Canucks Lock Up Star, More Trade Deadline Updates

We’re in the stretch run leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, and I have to say, I can’t wait for the deadline to pass. Let’s finalize these rosters and get to the playoffs. Saturday evening brought a whole new set of updates on Hockey Night in Canada, including a potential extension for a player who torched the Avalanche earlier in the day.

Speaking of earlier in the day, the Canucks were finally able to lock up their star, a few days after word got out they got close to dealing him to the Hurricanes. It’s a deal the Avalanche will likely be hearing a bit about in negotiations with one of their stars this summer.

On the ice, the Avalanche fell apart as the game went on in Nashville, and lost another game on the road.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

Down 2-1, the Avalanche barely put up a fight in the third period on their way to a 5-1 loss.

He’ll face-off against Nikolai Kovalenko again on Sunday morning, but what kind of player is Zakhar Bardakov? (+)

NHL Trade Deadline Updates

During Hockey Night in Canada, Elliotte Friedman gave an update on a few things heading into the last week before the NHL Trade Deadline. Here are the key points they went over…

• Noah Hanifin’s preferred choice of a new team where he’d sign an extension is Tampa Bay.
• Jacob Markstrom is not happy with the Flames, because plans have changed as far as a potential trade.
• Pittsburgh has told teams they’re more interested in two prospects for Jake Guentzel. They want prospects over picks.
• The Nashville Predators are getting closer to an extension with Tommy Novak, who torched the Avalanche earlier on Saturday.
• Earlier in the day, the Capitals waived Evgeny Kuznetsov. If he’s not claimed, he’ll go to the AHL.

Just five more days until the NHL Trade Deadline…

Pettersson Signs

It was a lot more contentious than you would have wanted if you’re the Vancouver Canucks, but ultimately, the deal is done. Elias Pettersson will be a member of their team for a very long time.

Saturday morning, bright and early, they announced they had locked up their Swedish center to an eight year contract. The cap hit on the deal will be $11,600,00 million, and one you’ll probably want to keep an eye on when it comes to the Avalanche. That’s the absolute bare minimum it will likely cost to re-sign Mikko Rantanen.

National Hockey Now

Another meltdown for the Pittsburgh Penguins, where Kris Letang got worked multiple times.

Former DU goaltender Magnus Chrona nearly pulled off the win in the shootout, which would have helped the Avalanche out a lot.

The Detroit Red Wings are likely going to make the playoffs, but they’re learning the difference between being a playoff team and being a true contender in the NHL.