Evan’s NHL Daily: Younger Makar Enters Portal, Vegas Heating Up

It doesn’t appear that Taylor Makar is ready to sign an AHL or NHL deal with the Colorado Avalanche just yet, as the 23 year old, who just completed his third year at UMass, could be changing schools.

Around the league, the Vegas Golden Knights appears to have hit their stride in the Pacific Division, creating some separation between themselves and the Wild Card teams in the West.

In Colorado, Nikolai Kovalenko hit the ice in Avalanche colors for the first time, and was joined by Valeri Nichushkin.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

It’s been a tough go for Ross Colton of late, as he was on the ice for a few more goals against on Monday. It’s not just one guy’s fault when a goal goes in, but it’s been a trend of late.

Back in Denver, Nikolai Kovalenko and Valeri Nichushkin skated with Toby Petersen. Could either join the team for this road trip?

Makar Enters The Portal

There’s another Makar trying to make his way to the NHL, but it appears that decision has not been made quite yet.

Taylor Makar, Colorado’s 7th round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and obviously Cale’s younger brother, is entering the NCAA transfer portal.

UMass F Taylor Makar (COL pick) also hits the portal. See all updates here: https://t.co/AAqXv986g8

— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) April 2, 2024

This doesn’t guarantee a move, but it does make one highly likely. Makar has just 22 points in 85 games and his NHL potential is in question, but he may be looking for a bigger role elsewhere. We’ll keep an eye on this to see where he ultimately ends up.

MacKinnon A Star Again

Surprise! Nathan MacKinnon has been named the second star for the month of March. The only guy who had a better month is the guy who is chasing him in the hunt for the Art Ross Trophy.

Connor McDavid (@EdmontonOilers), Nathan MacKinnon (@Avalanche) and Filip Forsberg (@PredsNHL) have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of March.#NHLStats: https://t.co/S9XLGAKTF4 pic.twitter.com/bNwI97iZ5X

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 2, 2024

Vegas Heating Up

Well, don’t look now, but the Vegas Golden Knights appear to be heating up at the right time.

And they’ve still got Tomas Hertl waiting to join them.

On Tuesday night, they stomped the Vancouver Canucks, getting out to a 5-1 lead early and never looking back. The win means they’re on a 7-2-1 run in their last 10 and they’ve created a five point gap between themselves and the Los Angeles Kings, so it doesn’t look like they’ll be a Wild Card team. Is it time to worry about the Golden Knights again? Might be.

National Hockey Now

Somehow, some way, the Pittsburgh Penguins are still in the playoff hunt, and they aren’t quitting.

It’s been hard for the Florida Panthers to fake desperation.

Our PHN editor believes that John Tortorella‘s criticism was unfounded.

Different coach, same problem, as first round pick Alexander Holtz was benched by Travis Green.