Evan’s NHL Daily: Former Avalanche Forward Retires, Michkov Is Coming

The NHL season will officially end on Monday, as one of the Florida Panthers or Edmonton Oilers will take home the Stanley Cup. That means off-season will really kick into gear soon, but teams have at least managed to keep us entertained on some off-days lately.

There were a few reasons Matvei Michkov fell a little bit last summer at the NHL Draft. Sure, there were certain teams he wanted to play for more than others that scared some off, but the biggest reason why is because teams weren’t exactly sure when he would make his way to North America. With three years left on his KHL deal, teams wondered if they would get enough value early out of him as a top five pick. Those teams might be a little confused today, because Michkov is now expected to be in the NHL next season.

Derick Brassard’s time with the Colorado Avalanche was brief, as just 20 of his 1,013 career NHL games came with the organization, but he did give a memorable reaction after taking three penalties in one game that might stick in fans memories. The veteran forward called it a career on Monday, so it’s a perfect time to take a look back.

Colorado Hockey Now

They gave up nothing to get him, but had to attach a first round pick just to get rid of him. The price to unload Ryan Johansen was a lot, but was probably worth it.

News And Rumors

Philly Hockey Now: There were many that believed he was the second best player in the draft last year, but he didn’t go second overall, mostly because of where he comes from. It appears the wait to get him to the NHL was a lot shorter than some teams expected, as Philadelphia will be adding Matvei Michkov next season.

Sportsnet: Ottawa probably regrets given up Zibanejad for him, but Derick Brassard still had a solid NHL career, picking up 545 points in 1,013 games. Four of those points came in an Avalanche uniform, but beyond that, Brassard didn’t do much memorable with the organization, other than this…

Best of luck to Brassard in retirement.

San Jose Hockey Now: More change in San Jose. This time, they moved out a former first round pick to bring in a big Russian winger who is probably ready for a taste at the NHL level, Egor Afanasyev.

NHL Network: Jacob Markstrom’s return was pretty solid, even if I wouldn’t classify it as great. Apparently the Bruins are looking for even more when than that when they trade Linus Ullmark.

What's next for the goalie trade market after the Flames dealt Markstrom to New Jersey last week?@FriedgeHNIC updates @TonyLuftman on what he's hearing. pic.twitter.com/oHKofeA8YZ

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 24, 2024