Deen’s Daily: Barkov Wins Selke; Can Avs Handle Business at Draft Combine?

The NHL Award announcements have begun, and it’s with a new twist. The Draft Combine is underway, and the expectation is that we’re going to get a lot of rumblings out of these next five days.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 2.

Colorado Hockey Now

I wrote yesterday about the NHL Draft Combine and how, from June 2-7, all general managers and several agents will be present at this event. What makes this year so different is the decentralized draft.

In years past, the draft floor was where GMs and front offices had a chance to walk over to each other’s tables and conduct business in person. I attended last year’s event at The Sphere, and it was quite fascinating to watch up close from the media’s portion of the floor.

But with that going away this year, front offices are making a concerted effort to utilize the combine instead. I’m not sure if the decentralized draft is going to last another year, given how quickly teams regretted voting for it. But, at least for a year, it does mean there will be an added element of rumors and potentially contract extensions or trades this week.

Last year, Boston dealt Linus Ullmark to Ottawa during the Stanley Cup Final, so movement is very much possible at this time of year.

If Brock Nelson does have interest in returning to the Avs, I’d like to see Chris MacFarland handle business this week. It would be wise for Colorado to lock up their No. 2 center position weeks before free agency so they can turn their attention to other moves to improve the team. Whether their choice for No. 2 is Nelson or someone on the trade market.

What would you like to see the Avs get done this week?

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

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Five pivotal deadlines and decisions for the Penguins in June

NYI Hockey Now: Why the Islanders could opt to trade down from No. 1 to either No. 2 or No. 3 in the draft.

Boston Hockey Now: Former Avs coach Joe Sacco is officially out of the running for the Bruins job. Elliotte Friedman thinks Sacco could replace Lane Lambert on Craig Berube’s staff in Toronto.

Frank J. Selke Trophy Announced: The NHL is changing the way Awards are announced this season, opting for a viral surprise moment for each one. To start, Aleksander Barkov won the Selke and King Clancy Awards and made history in the process.

This is my fourth consecutive year as a voter on several of the NHL Awards that are chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

I voted Sam Reinhart No. 1 for the Selke. Followed by Barkov in second, Leon Draisaitl, Anthony Cirelli, and Mitch Marner.

The final results of the ballot after tabulating all votes had Barkov first, followed by Reinhart, Cirelli, Nico Hischier, and Jack Eichel. Draisaitl and Marner, who I had on my ballot, finished sixth and seventh, respectively.

For some of the other Awards, I’ll write out why I came to my decision after the winners are announced. Especially the ones that involve Avs players (I’m looking at you, Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon).

Yanni Gourde Signs Long-Term: The Lightning locked up Gourde to a six-year deal for just $14 million. He’ll count against the cap at just $2.33 million per season, which is much lower than his market value. With an $88 million cap, Gourde is already well worth $2.33 million. But as the cap rises — starting with a jump to $95.5 million this season — he’ll only be of better value.

The rising cap and the low cap hit make it much easier to stomach signing a 33-year-old to such a lengthy term. The lack of state tax and the winning culture both played a part in this. As did Gourde’s previous familiarity with the organization before he was reacquired ahead of the trade deadline three months ago.