Deen's Daily
Deen’s Daily: Fans Weigh In — What Avalanche Offseason Topics Should We Tackle?
Mikko Rantanen was held off the scoresheet. And so were all of his teammates. The Florida Panthers persevered in Game 3, and the Devils are making coaching changes.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 10.
Colorado Hockey Now
It’s been nearly a week since Game 7, and I gotta say, I already miss it.
I’m not sure how long it’ll take until most of Avs faithful will stop feeling the sting from the loss, but the offseason ahead should be one of the more intriguing ones in recent memory. Do the Avs re-sign Brock Nelson? Will Martin Necas sign an extension this summer? What do you do with the depth defense? And the forwards. … Jonathan Drouin? Miles Wood? There’s a lot this team has to figure out.
With that being said, I floated the idea of doing player report cards to highlight the season that was for the permanent pieces of the lineup. I do want to do that. But I also want to open this up for discussion. I’m loaded with Avs roster ideas, historic knowledge, personal stories, and just a nerdy love for this game that I can write about this offseason.
So with that, what are you interested in reading? What kind of coverage would you like to see in the coming, weeks, months, and well into the offseason?
Share your ideas in the comments section, and let’s get excited for next season together. Dare I say … Is it October yet?
Read More: Avalanche Mailbag 2.0: Revisiting the Mikko Rantanen Saga
Stanley Cup Playoff Recap
Game 3 — Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers: The Leafs nearly took complete control of the series, but the Panthers erased a two-goal deficit and won in OT after noted Leaf killer Brad Marchand got the game winner. Suddenly, a pivotal Game 4 will determine will the series will land before it heads back to Toronto for Game 5.
Game 2 — Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets: After struggling to stop the puck in the first round against the St. Louis Blues, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has surrendered just three goals through two games of Round 2. Hellebuyck made 26 saves in Game 2, shutting out Rantanen and the Stars to send the series to Dallas knotted up at 1-1. The biggest test will be how the reigning Vezina Trophy winner plays on the road. He’s got two chances in Dallas to steal a game or two. For all the offensive weapons the Stars have, it’s only Rantanen’s second-period hat trick in Game 1 that has gone past Hellebuyck. Nobody else could solve him.
Tonight’s Schedule
- Game 3: Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes (4 pm MT on TNT & truTV)
- Game 3: Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers (7 pm MT on TNT & truTV)
Around The NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby were named to the NHL’s quarter-century team. So far, we know Joe Sakic was also named.
Philly Hockey Now: Noah Cates could take the Flyers to arbitration after a solid breakout season. Should the team be worried?
New Jersey Hockey Now: We’ve got changes coming to the Devils coaching staff as Sheldon Keefe gets an opportunity to bring in his own guys.
NYI Hockey Now: Could… Lou Lamoriello not be leaving after all?
Vegas Hockey Now: No suspension for Nic Roy, who was kicked out of Game 2 in OT for probably the biggest brain fart of a play I’ve seen in years. Read more from the latest Knights Notebook ahead of a big Game 3 on the road.
Deen’s Daily: What To Do With Drouin; Dallas on Verge of Third Straight WCF; Ken Holland to LA?
Leave or Stay: Jonathan Drouin Enters Third Straight Year as UFA
Deen’s Daily: Stuart Skinner Has Arrived; Canes Win Again; What Should Avs Do at 2C?
Avalanche Mailbag 4.0: Clearing Cap Space, Offseason Changes & Should Avs Re-Sign Nelson?
Nazem Kadri Throws Shade at Avalanche’s Management — Was There More to His Post?
Avalanche Mailbag: Let Your Frustrations Out — Ask Us Anything!
5 Takeaways: Sakic, MacFarland Discuss Disappointing End To Season
Avalanche Mailbag 2.0: Revisiting the Mikko Rantanen Saga
Avalanche Retain Jared Bednar, Fire Assistant Coach Ray Bennett Following Early Playoff Exit
Avalanche Mailbag 1.0: Coaching, Management, & What Went Wrong in the Playoffs?
I for one would like to hear your opinion about the current Avs roster and what the future retention of that player.
Also, do a segment on prospects that are currently playing for the Colorado Eagles or others players and their chances of moving next season. We have gotten rid of a lot of our prospects during trades and it’d be nice to know who else is out there.
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I would like to see more coverage on the decision by management to deal youth, prospects, and picks for older players with less term in what turned out to be a first round exit. Additionally, where do we go from here in terms of re-establishing some semblance of a farm system. Secondly, as a parallel to my first request, I would like to see a deep dive on how management abruptly transitioned from an emphasis on speed and skill to grit and size at the trade deadline. This abrupt transition, although needed, really cost us in picks, prospects, and term.… Read more »
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I would just like to see different topics. If that means only writing a couple articles each week, so be it. What I do not want is constantly going over things like Vals issues or Landys rehab. I realize both of those topics are concluded, but those types of examples.
While I have openly disagreed with some of your takes, I truly do enjoy your work, and look forward to whatever you put out this summer.
Since this website is called “Colorado Hockey Now” rather than Colorado Avalanche Hockey Now,” why don’t you give us updates on the Colorado Eagles, who are still alive and well in the AHL’s playoffs?
I personally would like more Mikko Rantanen content. At least one article a day detailing each hour of his contract negotiations in the days leading up to the trade….lol. I mine as well lean into the perceived obsession. In all seriousness. I think the player report card thing isn’t a bad idea. It would provide lots of content & discussion on each individual player. And since there always seems to be a bit of confusion amongst people regarding the cap & where the Avs are. An in depth piece that details who is under contract. How much cap space they… Read more »
Here is more content from Rantanen: If next year, Necas and/or Drury scores one or more goals in a game that eliminates Dallas, the Avalanche will have won the trade? That’s your point of view, but things are much more complicated than the message you persist in writing on this platform day in and day out. It’s quite normal for people to be more disappointed with the transaction following the elimination of the Avalanche since hockey is an emotional game. At the same time, if the parent allows their child to ride a bike and as a result, they… Read more »
How many different handles are you going to come up with to post comments about the Rantanen trade? In an attempt to debate me with your nonsense.
Now it’s Brett. It was Gabe for a few days. Bedsie before that. And who could forget the classic NecasDrury. Which for obvious reasons you’ve retired.
Are you talking about me? I think I had gone through the whole issue with you. You know my point of view and I know yours. When I have something to add, I’ll let you know.
I am making an attempt at a debate with nonsense? For you, Rantanen’s transaction is nonsense and you ask Aarif for more content about this transaction. It is difficult to be more incoherent.
Definition of the word absurdity: that which is contrary to any idea of Jeremy.
I was clearly being sarcastic. That was quite obvious.
Brett,
You are spot on, perhaps you could write fro Colorado Hockey Now!
Only missed two things. Texas has no state tax so Mikko’s $12M per year is more like 12.5 – 12.8 and the Avs were not going to pay him more than Mac!
Second is Aarif is always ragging on Drouin, he took a “hometown discount” to stay with this team for 2024 and should be given the same courtesy this offseason from the team IMO.
Drouin took a discount to stay & play for a year with his buddy & the team that salvaged his career.
The Avs owe him nothing. He had one good half to a season in 23 – 24. He can’t stay healthy, is as soft as baby shit. And is useless in the postseason. Let him walk.
How about a Mikko Rantanen “channel?” Non-stop, 24hrs. of Mikko, Mikko, Mikko. All the way from his first baby pictures to junior hockey to his time with the Avs and the dastardly, premeditated trade to the Hurricanes which should be a separate, full length movie by itself and least as long as Godfather II?
I love it! I’ll spearhead the project.
I wonder if it would be possible to rename this platform to COLRANTANENNOW. Do you think there could be at least one documentary about the Rantanen transaction?
1) Who are some potential free agents that could be available going into off-season, and any notable players that could be available? I don’t see the Avs being able to do much of anything for a while because their cupboard is bare, so FA is probably the only route they can go.
2) How will Landeskog being back on the books affect what the Avs can and can’t do in regards to cap space and moves?
Who will the Avs move out via trade and/or let walk via FA so they can retool via FA? Considering there isn’t much left to trade. Gulyayev, Nabokov, Behrens, pretty much the remaining top prospects. Olausson probably wouldn’t get much. Should be interesting.
It be nice to do a segment of the prospects in the the AHL overseas and college to see how they are doing.
The problem with that is the Avs farm system is a wasteland. At least in terms of there being prospects that have a legitimate shot of being regular NHL players.
Prischepov..maybe? People who follow the Eagles more closely, if I’m wrong let me know.
As for overseas it’s Nabokov & Gulyavev. That’s it. The rest are career AHL guys. And picks (Olaussen, Foudy) that the Avs as an organization clearly don’t feel have anything to offer in the NHL.
I don’t know how any NHL organization couod have a more depleted farm system than the Avs.
You’re not wrong. Beyond Nabokov and Gulyayev who probably have the best shot at playing in the NHL, the rest of our “prospects” are basically 7th round picks or undrafted guys. Picks that late have an extremely low hit rate. Sean Behrens, was a 2nd round pick but with his injury, he’s yet to play a professional game. One might make it to the NHL but odds are they’ll be tweeners or potential career AHLers. In addition to Behrens, that list includes Prishchepov, Ivan and Makar. Bardakov was a 7th round pick of the Devils and is just coming over… Read more »
I neglected to mention Behrens. Hopefully he’s a legit NHL prospect. It’d be nice if they could finally get someone to develop & come up through the system. Who can grab a meaningful role on the Avs. They need a few cheap contracts.
It would be quite funny if the Avs got a legit NHL player out of trading Macdermid. And initially I thought the Taylor Makar picked reeked of “let’s take a shot in the dark & make Cale happy in the process”. But it sounds as if his game has taken some real strides.
It’s wishful thinking to think a young player’s cheap contract will make a difference. To make that happen an ELC would take the job of a $4M-$7M player. Either top picks have been traded or the team has done a poor job drafting in the first 2 rounds (see Olausson). As a result, all their picks and prospects are likely bottom 6 if they make it. Nothing wrong with that but the differential between an ELC and a $1M-$2M player isn’t enough to make the difference the Avs could use.
Yes & No. I get your point. It’s a negligible bit of savings. But if say Martin Kaut or Olaussen had been able to develop into legitimate 3rd liners at minimum in the NHL. Then do they have to go out & pay Ross Colton 4 million bucks? Or Miles Wood 2.5? Or use up cap space & assets at the deadline with as much frequency (Trenin, Duhaime, etc) to fill out their bottom 6 every year. I look at Dallas & am so envious of their ability to find & cultivate talent outside of the top 10 in the… Read more »
I’m not downplaying the development side but these days so many drafted players play in college, euro leagues or the KHL for 2-3 years…or more before signing an ELC they’re further along than in the past. It will be even more so now that CHL kids will be eligible to play in college. Drafting 18 yr olds can’t be easy since it takes alot of projection but the Avs have been awful at it
Dude, Where’s My Makar?
Seriously, find out what happened to Makar.
Yeah, I don’t know who that guy on the ice was with his number. It was almost like Nuke disappearing the last two seasons.
This Avs team isn’t stout enough on defense to contend for a Cup. As much as I appreciate Sammy Girard and his effort and play in the regular season – – he’s a major liability in the playoffs. Malinski is a nice skater but he gets pushed around too much, as well. Maybe he can add some muscle down the road? I was disappointed in Nelson’s performance. I didn’t think he did enough in front of the net to generate scoring chances. He kinda just cruised through the Stars series. Above all else, fix the PP. Again, it’s the dirty… Read more »
I’m not the biggest Girard fan. Nor do I necessarily believe yet, that Malinski is good enough to be a regular NHL defenseman.
But you continously point to Girard (and now Malinski) as having been liabilities in the postseason. Nothing backs this up. Not the numbers or the eye test.
Can you point to one sequence or goal specifically. Outside of the one that went off Girard’s skate. Which if anything was on Lindgren because he’s skates like his feet are cinder blocks. That was the direct result of anything either did or their lack of size?
The Avs spend an inordinate of time defending their zone. Especially crunch time when Dallas kept puck possession for an eternity. When the Avs won their most recent Cup, Sammy was out for the last two series. JJ stepped up and played like a monster. Both Sammy’s have to beat their opponent to the puck otherwise they get rubbed out physically.
In the last playoffs, Girard had a Corsi of 56.9% at even strength, he collected 3 points and posted a +2 differential. Girard’s statistics show that he was very effective when he was on the ice. The size of a player does not guarantee his effectiveness.
You can quote all the statistics in the world to me. But come playoff time, small “D” men were great in the 90’s. Today’s physical game means there is a dogfight every game in front of the net. Lots of redirected and deflected goals. Sammy G can’t move anybody off their spot in front of the net. Neither can the other Sam. During crunch time, winning time as Magic Johnson used to call it, the Avs were pummeled down low and wilted under the pressure. They consistently gave up leads. There is no way you win a Cup like that.
You’ve got it completely backwards. Nobody had smallish D in the 90’s. It was the clutch & grab era. Everything was predicated on having big hulking defenseman. Look at the Dallas Stars teams the Avs couldn’t beat in the late 90’s. Derian Hatcher, Richard Matvichuck, Craig Ludwig, etc.
Today’s game is much less physical than 20 years ago. If this was 1997 I would complete agree that Girard is a liability. Today..not so much.
Speaking of Kadri, any chance the Avs could find a way to bring him back? Or is he too old and/or too expensive? I see he had some great numbers this year so maybe Calgary wouldn’t deal him.
Chris McFarland’s biggest career brain farts.
Mikko Rantanen’s greatest career moments.
Who to ask for in a Nathan MacKinnon trade to Pittsburgh.
Other All-Star defensemen who had Cale Maker-like flame-outs.
Where Artturi Lehonen ranks among NHL lightweights.
Best candidates to replace Jared Bednar at the All-Star break.
The real story behind the Lekhonen-Bednar love affair.
How soon before Val Nichuskin goes off the tracks again.
What Jonathan Drouin really does for a living.
Who is my 2nd center for the next season!
When Rantanen walked into MacFarland’s office to say he wanted to stay.
Crosby.
Raymond Bourque.
Halfway but plays bigger than its size.
Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy
We can’t talk about it because they asked to keep it secret.
10 months.
Playing during the season with Mackinnon.
Well played!
Savage. And lolz.
Im tired of the Rantenan trade rants. McFarland had to make a move or let Milo walk for free agency for no return. Also being an Islander fan I remember when Tavares promised to stay and walked leaving the Islanders with no return. GMs can’t let that happen. I can live with the trade. Miko wanted the bag we couldn’t afford. Best wishes to Miko. He got the best of us in game 7. Maybe not down the road
Do you want me to give the message to Jeremy?
I agree. I would prefer to move on. I guess I’ll never understand people’s inclination to side with suits & management. And this whole goofy narrative that the cash strapped Avalanche couldn’t afford to pay him fair market value. Can’t wait to hear people’s cope if they turn around & give that fraud Necas a 9 plus per year extension. Which is what they’ll have to give him to retain him. Especially with the cap going up. Me personally I’d rather have the superstar elite playoff performer @ 12. And to the people that thought Mikko was playing hardball in… Read more »
I’m disappointed that Rantanen didn’t score last night. But I’m not worried. His drought will end soon. Rantanen… MVP! MVP! MVP!
Aarif, I think you don’t talk enough about Rantanen. He was an icon in Colorado. We can’t forget that quickly. Since his departure, Mackinnon has been unhappy and this has clearly affected his performance. Even gone, Rantanen still has a great impact on this team and we can’t ignore it.
It would be interesting to know the backstage and have details on the analysis of the Avalanche’s management and what led them to trade Rantanen during the season. Why didn’t they make the transaction last summer, for example? We hope to know more in the coming weeks.
1.) I’d like to hear some thoughts on your outlook for Landy next season. Obviously it depends on the moves in the off-season, but does he start the year on the second line with Val or do you try to reunite him with Mack and find a third wheel that can make that line roll? 2.) How do you think we stack up in the division if most stand pat? I would assume Dallas/Minnesota/Winnipeg are the teams to beat. But some of Winnipeg’s leaders will be another year older, maybe there is some decline there. Was this a fluke season… Read more »
I would trade Landeskog for Kadri. Calgary are rebuilding and would probably like a player like Landeskog to provide leadership over their young players. It would solve the 2C problem for the Avalanche and wouldn’t affect the salary cap as Kadri and Landeskog both cost $7M. Otherwise, Landeskog could be traded to another rebuilding team to acquire a 2C.
Brandon,
Do you not realize how important leadership in the room is? Landy is the glue that holds the room together. He hasn’t been there for three years and you see the result. He isn’t going anywhere and if he did then it would be grounds for C-Mac to go.
For sure. Clearly the “Landy effect” was vital. Such as in his first game in over 1000 days when they appeared catatonic in game 3.
Or in game 7 when they completely fell apart.
Do we trade Sammy G for a bigger guy to pair with Makinsky? Manson and who for 3rd pair? Is it middleton getting more time next year? Drouin is surely gone this year one would think. Where do we look from the FA pool for a 2c and top 6 winger? Does colton stay up and elevated in that role for him? He looked good with mack early on. Maybe Colton mack nuke first line with landy necas lehkonen 2nd line? Idk whose gonna center line 2 tho… Behrens, prischepov, ivan, possibly foudy get some serious time this year? Is… Read more »
Aarif, I totally share that nerdy love of the game. I was in 6th grade when the Nordiques became the Avalanche. Been a devoted fan since.
With that said, I’m still not really ready to delve into what needs to happen. I bet a good 25% of the NHL.com Brackets are losers because the Avs didn’t advance to the 2nd Round.
I will day, it’s great to see the Captain back & ready to go.
Sincerely,
In denial Avs fan