Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Crush Minnesota; Deadline Rumblings; Laughton Tweeted What?!

The Avs are back in the thick of things for third in the Central. It’s largely because of the NHL’s reigning MVP. The trade deadline is just a week away and a lot of speculation is out there. Also, Scott Laughton tweeted what?!

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 1.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avs went down 1-0 and 2-1 but used a dominant second period to put their stamp on a big division game against the Minnesota Wild. Colorado is suddenly third in the Central, passing the reeling Wild.

Nathan MacKinnon’s instant chemistry with Martin Necas didn’t happen by accident. The reigning Hart Trophy winner went out of his way to ensure things would click. Here’s what he did.

This is one of my favorite stories I’ve written. It’s short, but it touches on the greatness that is MacKinnon. It’s behind the paywall, but I do want you all to get a chance to read it. Use promo code Deen10 for 25% off an annual subscription.

Around the NHL

Scott Laughton: Is it Laughton’s last supper in Philadelphia? The 30-year-old is on pretty much every trade board out there. Here’s what he tweeted.

Vegas Hockey Now: The latest Golden Knights Mailbag is here, answering any and all trade-deadline-related questions.

Chicago Hockey Now: Seth Jones has pretty much done all he could to make it clear that he wants out of Chicago. But he doesn’t hold all the cards in any potential deal.

NYI Hockey Now: Where things stand with the Islanders a week out from the trade deadline.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils are reportedly all but guaranteed to add someone at the deadline to address their center depth.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Jacob Bernard-Docker is on his way back from injury. Is there still a spot for him on the Sens roster?

Florida Hockey Now: You can take Ryan Lomberg out of the Panthers organization. But it doesn’t mean his hate for the Lightning would just disappear.

Montreal Hockey Now: Lane Hutson and Macklin Celebrini — two candidates for the Calder Trophy — went head to head. Here’s what Hutson had to say about the Sharks’ top center.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Speaking of the Calder Trophy, don’t forget about Matvei Michkov. He now sits atop two notable categories among all rookies.

Montreal Hockey Now: Kirby Dach is out for the season. More about what it means for the Habs. Also, here are potential returns for Joel Armia and Jake Evans, two Montreal forwards expected to be dealt before next Friday’s deadline.

Detroit Hockey Now: Remember when Todd McLellan publicly called out his captain after the Red Wings’ loss to Columbus? Here’s what Dylan Larkin had to say about it.