Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Looking to Rebound; Is Kylington Ready?; Crosby Being Evaluated For Injury

The Avalanche are looking for a rebound against Calgary. Is Oliver Kylington ready to return against his former team? Sidney Crosby is being evaluated for an injury and the NHLPA is appealing Ryan Hartman’s suspension.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 6.

Colorado Hockey Now

Slow day for the Avalanche and CHN on Wednesday. It was a much-needed day off before Colorado springs to the finish with a back-to-back before the 4 Nations break.

Tonight’s matchup against the Calgary Flames is a big one. Not just because the Avs need to rebound, but because the Flames are literally on their tail looking to overtake them for the top wildcard seed. When all is said and done, the Avalanche’s main focus should be the Minnesota Wild and climbing to third in the Central Division. But in the day-to-day race as it currently stands, Vancouver and Calgary are right behind and a hot streak for either team could put the Avs’ top wildcard spot in threat.

This is what makes that loss to Vancouver that much worse.

Is Oliver Kylington ready to go? I’m sure facing his former team is something he’d like to do. Even if he’s probably going to be met with boos from the crowd given how his tenure in Calgary ended. Colorado needs a shakeup on defense in the worst type of way.

Catch the latest episode of my podcast, Rinkside with Aarif Deen — Avalanche Spiral in Vancouver | February 5, 2025.

Around the NHL

Ryan Hartman: The NHLPA is appealing Ryan Hartman’s 10-game suspension. I understand why the Players’ Association does these things, but I don’t believe they should. Sticking up for Hartman and allowing him to use his rights as a player is one thing. But it also comes off as an awkward slap in the face to another player, Tim Stutzle.

I don’t see any scenario where Hartman’s suspension is reduced. And in fact, I’d love to see it extended (something that can happen with appeals but never does).

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby is being evaluated for an injury. It would be a shame if his participation at the 4 Nations Faceoff was threatened this close to the tournament.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs are among the teams interested in Dylan Cozens, according to reports.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Without Jonas Siegenthaler available, is it time for the Devils to turn to young blueliner Santeri Hatakka?

San Jose Hockey Now: Great story on Macklin Celebrini here, told by Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. Hughes coached Celebrini from 2018 to 2021.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins blew it late against the New York Rangers. They had a chance at two points and instead ended up with zero after a shorthanded goal against.