Evan’s NHL Daily: Landeskog Skates; Michkov Tests Torts

It’s just the rookies, so the NHL isn’t quite back, but we’re less than a week away from training camps opening. The biggest question in Colorado will be whether or not Gabriel Landeskog will be on the ice for team activities next Thursday. I’d guess he won’t be, but after the rookies got off the ice on Thursday, he was out there, so he’s still pushing.

In Philadelphia, it was the on-ice debut of Matvei Michkov, and he wasted no time testing John Tortorella to see what he might be able to get away with this season.

Colorado Hockey Now

There’s a lot of excitement in Colorado because Dan Hinote is back in the organization.

In a new interview, Nikolai Kovalenko discussed a number of topic, but when the reigning MVP came up, he made it clear that he thinks Nathan MacKinnon is the best player in the NHL.

Landeskog Skates

I didn’t take any video because I think we’ve all seen enough video of Gabriel Landeskog skating at this point, but the Swede hit the ice on Thursday after the rookies got off with 5 Finns in the organization. Actually, make that six – Mikko Rantanen, Joel Kiviranta, Artturi Lehkonen, Jere Innala, Justus Annunen, and even Jussi Parkkila.

While Landeskog spent most of his time on the ice at the other end with skills coach Toby Petersen, he did step in here and there to do a few drills. I’d be surprised if he is on the ice for team activities next week when camp opens, but he’s still pushing.

News And Rumors

X: All eyes are on Matvei Michkov in Philadelphia, including the eyes of head coach John Tortorella. In the past, Torts has made it known he’s not a big fan of the “Michigan.” Michkov wasted no time to see if it’s something he can get away with.

Michkov just tried to do the Michigan and Torts turned and looked at the Flyers staff on the other balcony… they were all laughing at Torts

— Jon Bailey (@ByJonBailey) September 12, 2024

This will be fascinating to watch all year. Michkov will be in the NHL, but will Torts allow him to play his game? We know he’s going to ask him to focus on his own end, but you have to let a talented guy like that try and create.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: You know the new Director of scouting for the Avalanche, Nick Pryor? Apparently he passed over some top prospects in his time with the Penguins.

Florida Hockey Now: There’s no way around it – teams like the Florida Panthers have an advantage when it comes to taxes.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils are expected to bounce back this year, but they’ll likely be without Luke Hughes for the first month of the season.