Deen’s Daily: Avs 2C Trade Options; DeBoer’s Gamble; Stanley Cup Final REMATCH!

The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final to set up a rematch of last year’s series against Florida. Pete DeBoer made a controversial gamble, and it didn’t go well at all. Also, the Avs might re-sign Brock Nelson. If not, could they make a trade to acquire a new 2C?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 30.

Colorado Hockey Now

The offseason often gains momentum in June, and we’re just days away from the start of it. Hard to believe the draft is only 29 days away, and free agency follows quickly.

The Avs have some questions that need to be answered, but none bigger than filling the gaping hole at 2C. Could Nelson still be an option? It seems like it, but I do wonder if this is offseason fodder reporting at this time of year.

Nelson is going to have a lot of suitors offering a lot of money out of desperation. I’m not sure the Avs want to be one of those teams.

I wrote yesterday about centermen around the NHL that the Avs could target if Nelson moves on. I don’t imagine they’d want to get into a bidding war for Sam Bennett or John Tavares, if either of them makes it to July 1 without an extension with their current clubs.

My targets are all via trade. Colorado doesn’t have a lot of assets to move, but this front office historically builds through trades. Click the link below to see the names I’ve highlighted.

This is behind the CHN+ paywall, but promo code Deen10 gives you 25% off an annual subscription to all CHN+ content. Get on it!

Read More: 6 Trade Targets That Could Solve the Avalanche’s 2C Hole (+)

Stanley Cup Playoff Recap

Game 5 — Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars: The Oilers absolutely dominated the close-out game and the series as a whole. They defeated Dallas 6-3 at American Airlines Center to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive season.

Edmonton will face the Florida Panthers, which sets up a Stanley Cup Final rematch for the first time since 2008 and 2009 between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. I grew up in Detroit during those two seasons, and it was some of the best hockey and drama I’ve seen. Rematches are a lot of a fun and loaded with potential to spark the hockey world. This will be no different.

As for Dallas… DeBoer gambled big time when he pulled Jake Oettinger. It didn’t work. And now I can’t help but wonder what his future with the team will look like. The image of Oettinger skating away from the bench to return to his crease, only to be called back with a finger waving him to get off the ice, isn’t going to sit well.

The exit interviews might very well determine DeBoer’s future. Oettinger’s new contract kicks in next season. His cap hit rises from $4 million to $8.25 million for the next eight years. If he’s unhappy, Jim Nill might be forced to make a change behind the bench.

Mikko Rantanen was quiet, and we’ve all seen this before. He’s a streaky scorer. When he’s on his game, he’s one of the best in the world. But when he’s not, it shows. What strikes me most about how the playoffs unfolded for Dallas was that when Rantanen wasn’t going, the Stars were an offensive mess. They couldn’t generate much. It’s a disappointment he had his best stretch of play at the worst possible time for Colorado.

I wonder where Dallas would be if Rantanen didn’t wake up from Games 5-7 in the first round. It’s still a shame he ended up there. But that’s in the past.

Tonight’s Schedule

Stanley Cup Final begins on June 4 in Edmonton.

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: David Quinn is still under contract with the Pens as an assistant coach. But could he be an option for Mike Sullivan’s staff in New York?

Montreal Hockey Now: This is the year the Habs should be aggressive. That includes first-round draft picks and top prospects.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: The Flyers re-signed Tyson Foerster. Also, could they be an option for a top goalie on the market? It would be one heck of an addition for a head coach who has familiarity.

NYI Hockey Now: Kyle Palmieri is remaining on Long Island. He was one of two signings for Mathieu Darche on Friday.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are trying to bring a pro goalie from Czechia. If it works, it would be a UFA that could make an impact. (I’m getting flashbacks to when the Avs got Pavel Francouz.)

Florida Hockey Now: Matthew Tkachuk was on the Pat McAfee Show to discuss what he believes is a rematch between the two best teams in the league. It’s hard to argue with that.