Deen’s Daily: Avalanche & Predators Love Trading; Kovalenko Healthy Scratched; Lalonde Speaks

Not one, but two forwards are likely entering the Avalanche lineup on Tuesday. The Montreal Canadiens placed a goalie on waivers and had another make his NHL debut. His first task? the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Red Wings’ now-former head coach Derek Lalonde also released a statement after losing his job the day after Christmas. 

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — December 29

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche and Nashville Predators made their fourth trade with each other in 18 months — all since Barry Trotz took over as general manager of the Central Division rival. In this latest deal, Colorado shored up its forward and center depth by acquiring Juuso Parssinen. The Finn is a pending restricted free agent and likely part of the Avs’ plans past this season. Both he and Jonathan Drouin are possible additions to Colorado’s lineup against the Winnipeg Jets on New Year’s Eve.

Catch my latest 10 Observations piece, behind the CHN+ paywall, covering all things Avalanche following the 4-1 victory in Utah on Friday.

How important is Valeri Nichushkin to the Colorado Avalanche? Colleen Flynn has you covered in her latest piece.

Catch the latest episode of Rinkside with Aarif Deen presented by Mile High Sports. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins and New York Islanders battled it out in a high-scoring matchup on Saturday. Catch the Penguin’s postgame grades following the loss.

NY Islanders Hockey Now: The Islanders’ postgame story is here.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings fired Derek Lalonde on Dec. 26. The former head coach released a statement on Saturday. Todd McLellan was unsuccessful in his debut as coach. Here are three changes he should consider.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks lost their seventh straight game. Nikolai Kovalenko was healthy scratched.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens placed Cayden Primeau on waivers. Another one of their goalies, Jakub Dobes’ had an incredible NHL debut hours later.

Florida Hockey Now: What went wrong for the Florida Panthers in their matchup against Montreal?