Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Return to Action; Seth Jones Wants out of Chicago

The Avalanche are finally back in action today. Seth Jones sounds ready to move on from Chicago. Also, Matthew Tkachuk is out and Sidney Crosby might be.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 22.

Colorado Hockey Now

After a long two weeks away, the Avs are finally hitting the ice again, taking on the Nashville Predators on the road in an early 4 p.m. MT puck drop. All of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews are expected to play.

Colleen Flynn caught up with several of the Avalanche during their three practice days before hitting the road. Hear what they had to say as they prepare for the final push to the playoffs.

Nichushkin will not go on road trip with Avs, Bednar said.

"The hope will be New Jersey. If not, maybe the next one.

He sounded a lot more confident about Val after today's practice. Encouraging to see him skate with the team.

— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) February 21, 2025

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby flew back to Pittsburgh with USA (and Penguins) head coach Mike Sullivan. The duo has been on the same team for nearly a decade but was on opposite ends of the epic 4 Nations Face-Off finale on Thursday. They discussed the captain’s status on the flight back. And it sounds like Crosby could play on Saturday. Or maybe not?

Florida Hockey Now: The status of Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk isn’t quite as mysterious.

Chicago Hockey Now: Seth Jones was honest, again, about wanting to be moved to a contender. He’s also pretty open about the difficulties that come with moving his contract. It’s something to keep an eye on heading into the trade deadline.

San Jose Hockey Now: Nikolai Kovalenko diffused a potential controversy with head coach Ryan Warsofsky.

NYI Hockey Now: Another take on what the Isles should do before the trade deadline.

New Jersey Hockey Now: An update on the status of Devils captain Nico Hischier.