Deen’s Daily: Trade Rumors Are Heating Up; Stanley Cup Final Media Day

The Stanley Cup Final begins tomorrow, and media day was a success. Also, trade rumors are heating up, and the busiest part of the season is inching closer.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 3.

Colorado Hockey Now

Aside from signing Ilya Nabokov to an entry-level contract, the Avalanche have not yet begun to cross any items off their offseason checklist. And it’s fine. We’re still four weeks away from free agency.

But I wonder about the UFAs. Not just Brock Nelson, but Jonathan Drouin, Joel Kiviranta, and even Ryan Lindgren. What about Erik Johnson? Is he ready to retire, or are the Avs willing to give him an opportunity to be a depth No. 6 or No. 7 defenseman? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

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

If the team chooses to rebuild its blueline after the top pair, there’s a particular defenseman in Vegas who is rumored to be on the trade market. I do wonder about a fit for him with the Avs. I’m just very much intrigued in general about what (if anything) they do with Josh Manson and Samuel Girard.

Read More: Avalanche Trade Talk: Is Vegas’ Nicolas Hague a Worthy Target?

Around The NHL

Stanley Cup Final Media Day: We’ve got a ton of coverage of Media Day from Florida Hockey Now. The Panthers are in their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final and are looking to repeat as champs against the same Edmonton Oilers they defeated a year ago.

1. The Panthers are not afraid of road to the Stanley Cup
2. Sasha Barkov Loves South Florida, Enjoys Giving Back
3. Bill Zito on Florida Panthers: ‘Job’s Not Finished’

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens’ coaching search has not yet reached its end. Is there a new name to consider?

Montreal Hockey Now: Is Jason Robertson a worthy trade target for the Habs?

NYI Hockey Now: Speaking of Robertson, he could be a dream addition for the Islanders.

Philly Hockey Now: Another new contract for another young Flyers piece. This time it’s Noah Cates.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The latest Devils mailbag covers quite a lot ahead of the offseason.

Vegas Hockey Now: Hague is just one of two Golden Knights names who headline some of the trade boards.