Deen’s Daily: Nichushkin Finds His Center; EJ Speaks; Rantanen Loses with Dallas

The Avs got their first glimpse of their new-look roster and the early returns are great. Erik Johnson is ready to accept any role. Also, Mikko Rantanen made his debut for the Dallas Stars.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 9.

Colorado Hockey Now

It was a solid bit of work by the Avalanche on Saturday, erasing a two-goal deficit to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in regulation. Valeri Nichushkin’s first career regular season hat trick led the charge. I was surprised to hear that he’d never had one before this (playoffs aside).

Johnson is back, officially. Even though he didn’t play, the 36-year-old met with media and was emotional when speaking about how happy he is to be back with the organization. He’s ready to accept any role to help this team win.

Around The NHL

Rantanen Debuts with Dallas: Rantanen made his debut with the Dallas Stars, the team he’ll call home for the remainder of the prime years of his career. Rantanen had a goal and an assist, but Dallas came up short, falling 5-4 to Edmonton.

Colorado is just six points behind the Stars for second in the Central Division, although the Stars have a game in hand.

Next Sunday’s matchup isn’t just about Rantanen’s return to Ball Arena. It’s also got huge implications in the standings.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Pens GM Kyle Dubas was asked why he didn’t trade Matt Grzelcyk or Rickard Rakell before Friday’s trade deadline. Here’s what he had to say.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: The Flyers lost to the Seattle Kraken. With all the moves they’ve made this year, who are the Philadelphia Flyers?

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils didn’t have a great trade deadline at all. There’s no denying that. But they’re trying to sign a free agent from the KHL.

Detroit Hockey Now: Speaking of bad trade deadlines, here’s why Steve Yzerman didn’t do more for the Red Wings at the deadline.

San Jose Hockey Now: We have a full breakdown from Sheng Peng in San Jose on why Mike Grier made the moves he did ahead of the deadline.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers’ new backup goalie Vitek Vanecek made his debut. It’s safe to say he likes playing behind that defense

Ottawa Hockey Now: Get to know new Sens forward Fabien Zetterlund, who scored at Ball Arena on Thursday in his final game with the Sharks. Zetterlund didn’t play on Saturday, but Brady Tkachuk played hero.

Vegas Hockey Now: Reilly Smith makes his second debut with the Golden Knights.