Evan’s NHL Daily: Draft Board; Buyout Talk; Hronek’s Big Extension

Edmonton isn’t quite ready to roll over, so the NHL season isn’t done just yet. Connor McDavid picked up four points for the second straight game to keep his team alive, and at this point, has to be the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. I think other teams suspected the season might end, because there were hints of player movement on Tuesday, mostly coming from New York.

Barclay Goodrow finds himself on waivers, as the New York Rangers look to get rid of his contract, and just up the road, there are rumblings that Jeff Skinner might find himself on the free agent market soon enough. In Vancouver, Filip Hronek got a contract extension that should look familiar to Avalanche fans. The action will pick up leading to the NHL Draft…if this season ever ends.

Colorado Hockey Now

Some day, his grandchildren will learn just how good a goaltender he was in the NHL. For now, he’s just grandpa, and witness a fun interaction between the kids and Patrick Roy.

We’re now less than 10 days away from the draft. There are plenty of options for the Avalanche at 24, but here’s who I like for them at the NHL Draft.

It’s been a month since the season ended for the Avalanche, and Nathan MacKinnon still isn’t happy about it.

News And Rumors

Forever Blueshirts: Desperate for any cap space he can find, Chris Drury is getting to work. On Tuesday, he waived Barclay Goodrow, and if the veteran winger makes it through waivers, he could be bought out. Goodrow had a tough season, posting some of the worst possession numbers in the league, but teams are always looking for playoff performers.

San Jose Hockey Now: Of course, they might not have to buy Goodrow out. It sounds like there’s a chance he’ll get picked up on waivers by his former team, the San Jose Sharks.

Sportsnet: The Sabres are desperate to make the playoffs, and it sounds like changes are on the horizon. After a bit of a down year, it appears there’s a chance they’ll buy out Jeff Skinner. Could be a good fit for the Avalanche on a cheap deal…

ESPN: He faded in a big way as the NHL season went on, but Filip Hronek still got paid, as he’ll make $7.25 million for the next eight years. Who would you rather have for $7.25 million, Hronek or Devon Toews?

At this point, it seems pretty clear who is going to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Connor McDavid is doing things on the ice that no one has done in decades. Just look at this assist…

McDavid is so god damn good, my god pic.twitter.com/hzFOWXPrMS

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 19, 2024

Florida Hockey Now: Is there panic in the Panthers locker room yet?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: A rebuild doesn’t seem to be on the table in Pittsburgh. They are looking to win while Sidney Crosby is still as good as he is. If bought out, would Torey Krug make sense for them?

Montreal Hockey Now: It’s not quite like Calgary potentially drafting Jarome Iginla’s son, but there could be a reunion of sorts in Montreal – the son of Saku Koivu is eligible to be drafted this year.