Colorado Avalanche
Evan’s NHL Daily: Game Seven Incoming, Free Agent Tiers

No, the NHL season is still not over, but who is complaining at this point? Okay, I’m kind of complaining about the fact that we have long gap between games, but a Game Seven to determine who wins the Stanley Cup? Sign me up. I thought Florida would pull it out in Game Six, but clearly I was wrong. The next question is…do we get a few more busy days from other NHL teams with the short break?
We are just nine days away from the start of free agency. Yes, you read that correctly. That means nine days until Jonathan Drouin and the rest of the Avalanche unrestricted free agents can hit the market. Where do Drouin and Sean Walker fit in ESPN’s tier ranking of free agents? Not really all that high, actually.
Colorado Hockey Now
It was one heck of a career, but it’s not the end of the line in Colorado for Andrew Cogliano. He’ll join Colorado’s front office after playing 1,294 NHL games.
Look for another mailbag on Saturday to kick off the weekend.
News And Rumors
Florida Hockey Now: If you had asked Paul Maurice at the start of the series how he’d feel going into a Game Seven at home, he’d probably say he felt good about it. Not like this, though. After three straight losses, the Florida Panthers are on the brink of one of the biggest chokes we’ve ever seen.
ESPN: I believe this is for ESPN+ subscribers, but while everyone in Colorado is wondering what’s happening with Jonathan Drouin, I’m not sure how many suitors he’ll have. He ranks pretty low on ESPN’s free agent tier ranking.
I think it’s fairly obvious the NHL doesn’t want to be in business with Alex Meruelo if they can avoid it. The heavily anticipated land sale in Arizona was cancelled and he was apparently the only bidder. This situation continues to be a mess.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Why not throw another goalie into the trade mix? I’m not sure how many suitors he’d have, but assessing the trade value of Tristan Jarry.
Boston Hockey Now: No one ever wants to see a player sign with a rival, but apparently there’s a chance that could happen with Jake Debrusk.
Montreal Hockey Now: I don’t think he’s very good, but he has played for Jared Bednar before and he certainly wouldn’t get the contract he got a few years ago. Keep an eye on buyout candidate Josh Anderson.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Not everyone is happy with the move the Devils made the other day to acquire Jacob Markstrom.