Deen’s Daily: Avs Sign College UFAs; Marchand Nears Return; McAvoy Rejoins Unfamiliar Bruins

The Avs are riding a crazy good winning streak at Ball Arena. They also dipped into the College free agent pool. Also, is Brad Marchand close to making his Florida Panthers debut?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 27.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche shored up their prospect pool on Tuesday, signing two College UFAs to entry-level contracts that begin next season. Going the College UFA route has become more of a necessity these days for a team as aggressive as the Avs are with their assets.

Before that, Colorado extended its winning streak on home ice to 10 games. That was the highlight of my 10 Observations piece following the 5-2 victory over Detroit. There’s also more from inside the room, as well as some pretty cool statistics that the red-hot Avs are currently flaunting.

Around the NHL

Philadelphia Hockey Now: If it’s truly the end of John Tortorella’s tenure as Flyers coach, who should be the next bench boss for the storied franchise? This story suggests it should be DU’s own, David Carle. Lost among the brutal loss to Toronto on Tuesday was the benching of young Cam York.

NYI Hockey Now: the Vancouver Canucks won’t go away in the Western Conference wildcard race. In the process, they’re trying to kill the Isles’ dreams of qualifying in the East.

Detroit Hockey Now: Austin Watson scored for the second time in two games against the Avs. He’s trying to make the most of an opportunity.

Boston Hockey Now: Charlie McAvoy is close to returning. The roster looks quite different than the one he left in February.

Florida Hockey Now: His former captain, Brad Marchand, is almost ready to make his Panthers debut, head coach Paul Maurice said.

Montreal Hockey Now: Five things the Habs must accomplish to make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Three thoughts from the Penguins’ road trip.