Evan’s NHL Daily: Gulyayev Hype, Potential Trade Target Signs

Will any full-time NHL players actually go through with the arbitration process? Outside of Spencer Stastney in Nashville, each player that has filed for arbitration has come to terms with their team before duking it out with a mediator. That happened again yesterday, as Columbus signed someone that a lot of teams probably had interest in.

KHL training camps open this week, and that means a second full season in the KHL is about to begin for Mikhail Gulyayev. Elite Prospect’s Russian scout sent out a series of tweets on Sunday explaining why Gulyayev had such a strong season and why he believes he’s got a great future ahead of him in the NHL.

Colorado Hockey Now

A look back at last week and what happened, including the free agent that the Avalanche tried to get but couldn’t lock down.

News And Rumors

The Avalanche have to wait at least two more seasons for Mikhail Gulyayev to cross the pond, but there are plenty of reasons to be excited about him. In a thread on twitter (not calling it X), Dylan Griffing of Elite Prospects explained why he’s so excited about Colorado’s first round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

I think his defense was generally underrated in his draft year because he’s undersized and more offensive oriented, but he’s always been a good defender because of the lightning quick feet. He’s only gotten better and added more muscle, not a lot of errors from him.

— dylan griffing (@GriffingDylan) July 28, 2024

This leads to a *lot* of his breakout plays turning into quick offense, whether he decides to continue carrying the puck or find a pass, he looks to generate from the back and it is working. Really detailed stuff.

— dylan griffing (@GriffingDylan) July 28, 2024

KHL training camps open on August 1.

ESPN: Columbus was able to lock down Kirill Marchenko to an extremely reasonable 3 year, $3.85 million per-season deal on Sunday. The 24 year old has been a very efficient goal scorer since coming to the NHL, scoring 20+ goals each of the last two seasons.

To be honest, I was ready to write an article about how he’s someone the Avalanche should take a look at if the Blue Jackets aren’t able to come to an agreement with him, but that’s off the table now. I think a lot of NHL teams would have been interested in him if he was on the market. 6’3″ goal scoring wingers who are right handed will always be of interest to teams.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: I guess no one wanted to give him an NHL deal, because Alex Nylander is headed to Toronto on an AHL contract. Kind of surprising.

Montreal Hockey Now: Roster decisions have to be made by the Canadians, and waiver eligibility might play a role in those decisions.

New Jersey Hockey Now: That Marchenko contract could impact what the Devils are able to get done with Dawson Mercer.

Washington Hockey Now: Taking a look at the top five American players in Capitals history.