Deen’s Daily: Olausson Called Up; Nichushkin Out?; Marcus Pettersson Talks UFA status

Only one game on New Year’s Day but a lot to get into otherwise. Is Valeri Nichushkin going to play against the Sabres? The latest Avalanche call-up makes me think otherwise. Also, an update on the Devils’ frustration with goalie interference, Detroit’s top prospects playing well in the World Juniors, and a Sharks veteran that we haven’t yet seen dress for a game this season.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 2.

Colorado Hockey Now

Valeri Nichushkin’s injury status is still up in the air because the Avalanche did not hold a practice on Wednesday. But, the team made a roster transaction, calling up forward Oskar Olausson from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. Could this signal a Nichushkin absence? Most likely. But it also could just be for precautionary reasons — albeit Colorado doesn’t usually need to carry an extra forward unless they’re on the road. So I think Nichushkin won’t play against the Buffalo Sabres, at least. We’ll get an update following morning skate later today.

As for Olausson, if he plays, he’ll likely be part of a makeshift fourth line centered by Juuso Parssinen with Jere Innala on the other wing. It’s not the most exciting combination and likely won’t get a lot of ice time. But we’ll see how it goes.

MacKinnon: Nathan MacKinnon was named the NHL’s First Star for December. He posted nearly two points per game all month and capped it off by finishing the 2024 calendar year with the most points in the league — a whopping 143 in 83 games.

Mittelstadt: Big game for Casey Mittelstadt, rejoining the top six following the injury to Nichushkin and scoring the game-winning goal in the third period.

10 Observations: Catch up on the latest 10 Observations piece, covering the Avs’ 5-2 victory over Winnipeg on New Year’s Eve. Usually behind a paywall, I kept this one free to celebrate the new year. Some fun stuff in here about Mackenzie Blackwood and his personality in the locker room.

Around the NHL

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils were on the losing side of the one game on New Year’s Day. They fell 4-0 to the L.A. Kings in a game that again disappointed the goalie in their crease. Amid the loss was yet another frustrating goalie interference call that didn’t go their way. One of their forwards was furious with the call.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Marcus Pettersson returned to the lineup on New Year’s Eve when the Penguins lost 4-2 in Detroit. But the defenseman, who is a pending UFA, is trying to block out any trade noise. He’ll be one of the most notable defensemen on the market if the Penguins decide to move him. Catch the latest Penguins Locker Room following practice.

San Jose Hockey Now: Marc-Edouard Vlasic has been practicing for well over a month. What’s the latest on his potential return to action?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are riding all the positive vibes into 2025 following a pair of big wins against Washington and Pittsburgh to close out December. They’re also watching two of their top prospects have an excellent tournament at the World Juniors, including the starting goalie for Team USA.