Evan’s NHL Daily: Wennberg Trade Imminent, Could It Be Colorado?

Alex Wennberg will be switching NHL teams this week, we just don’t know exactly where he’s going. On Monday, he was held out of morning skate and a game while the Seattle Kraken looked for the right deal. Could he be headed to the Avalanche?

Speaking of the Avalanche, Justus Annunen got another chance to show what he can do in net, and while the Chicago Blackhawks don’t even look like an NHL team right now, he’s doing what he has to do to show the organization he deserves the backup job.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

There are apparently NHL teams that think the Avalanche are going to do something “big” at the trade deadline. Is there some mystery center out there that Colorado could acquire?

The Avalanche took care of business at home, beating the Blackhawks by a score of 5-0.

Justus Annunen picked up his second straight shutout in the NHL. Bednar says he’ll start him more if he keeps playing like that…assuming they don’t pick up a goalie later this week.

Wennberg Trade Imminent

Alex Wennberg is getting dealt, it’s just a matter of finding the right deal for him at this point.

Dave Hakstol announced that Wennberg was being held out of the Kraken’s game on Monday night due to “trade related issues.” Then, the entire day went by and no trade occurred. I sincerely hope they didn’t lock him in a room somewhere to keep him healthy.

What teams are involved? The usual suspects looking for a center, apparently. And yes, the Avalanche are one of them.

The #SeaKraken are still working through their trade options while holding Alex Wennberg out of tonight's game as a precaution. The #NYR and #Avs are among the teams who have shown interest in Wennberg.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 4, 2024

Wennberg is an intriguing option for the Avalanche, albeit a little underwhelming. He has just 25 points this season, despite leading all Kraken forwards in ice-time. There are connections to the Avalanche, though. Chris MacFarland was assistant GM in Columbus when they took him 14th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft. He also played six games in the AHL under Jared Bednar.

The New York Rangers appear to be the other big team in the running to acquire his services, but may need a third team to help with the cap hit to make it happen.

Maybe we’ll find out on Tuesday where he’s heading. I’m sure he’d prefer to know rather than sit around.

National Hockey Now

Did you see the ridiculous play Alex Barkov made on Monday night to pick up an assist? One of the better plays I’ve seen in a long, long time.

What exactly was the plan for the Pittsburgh Penguins?

The San Jose Sharks have a few players that may be of interest to the Avalanche ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. What is their trade value?

Detroit will be in town on Wednesday, but the Avalanche won’t be facing Dylan Larkin.

Why isn’t Jacob Markstrom a member of the Devils yet? Because of ownership, apparently.

Speaking of the Devils, if Markstrom eventually goes there, he won’t be playing under Lindy Ruff.

Thoughts from the Blackhawks side after the loss to Colorado.