Evan’s NHL Daily: History In Seattle, What Is The Yzerplan?

On Wednesday, the Colorado Avalanche had two female coaches on the ice, as both Kim Weiss and Kelsey Cline joined their staff last year as part of the NHL Coaches’ Association Diversity Guest Program. While those two were helping out youngsters at Colorado’s development camp, a first in the NHL took place – a female assistant coach was hired by the Seattle Kraken.

We’re not even a week out from the 2024 NHL Draft, but is it ever too early to look ahead to next year’s draft? It looks like for the second consecutive year, an American born player has a chance at going first overall.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche were only able to retain one of their unrestricted free agents, as the other four left. I know I wouldn’t turn down the contract the Minnesota Wild gave Yakov Trenin.

He never got a proper goodbye, but I guess this is hello again, as Pavel Francouz was on the ice at Development Camp and talked about his new role.

News And Rumors

ESPN: It was bound to happen, and NHL history has been made by a very deserving candidate, as Jessica Campbell becomes the first woman assistant coach in league history.

Campbell was hired by the Seattle Kraken and new head coach Dan Bylsma, who she has worked with on the bench for two seasons now. Their team made the AHL Final in both of those seasons. Campbell is just 32 and played four years at Cornell before turning pro in the CWHL.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Is the dream is still alive? Where the heck is the contract extension for Sidney Crosby?

San Jose Hockey Now: Exciting times in San Jose after a few rough seasons. Not only do they have Macklin Celebrini to look forward to, but another high draft pick in Will Smith.

Florida Hockey Now: His play was essential on the third line, and now he’ll be sticking around for a while as the Panthers gave Anton Lundell a big extension.

Detroit Hockey Now: I can’t be the only one that is a little confused about what Steve Yzerman is building in Detroit. It looks very average. On Wednesday, they added another older, scoring winger in Vladimir Tarasenko.

Yzerman shed all this cap space, and for what? To re-sign a few wingers that are in their mid-30’s? I’m not sure there’s any real plan there.

Chicago Hockey Now: The Blackhawks should be better next year, but I’m not sure about “pretty good,” Alec Martinez.

Daily Faceoff: I guess the Avalanche don’t have a first rounder next year, so not much to worry about, but here’s an early look at the 2025 NHL Draft.