Deen’s Daily: Evander Kane on the Move; Avs Names to Watch This Week

Evander Kane is heading home after two Stanley Cup Final runs in Edmonton. The trade rumors are heating up and there are a handful of Avs names to watch heading into the NHL Draft.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 25.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche have a complete forward group under contract already. And honestly, if you’re betting on Miles Wood to return to his 2023-24 form, it’s a group that can win the Western Conference.

But things are different on defense. The top four is locked up, but there could be changes coming. Is Samuel Girard on the move? Can the Avs afford Josh Manson at $4.5 million given his injury troubles? Are Keaton Middleton and Sam Malinski enough talent for the third pair?

They have tradeable assets and can really change the outlook of their blueline if they decide to move someone currently under contract. Click below to read the three names I’m keeping a closer eye on.

Read More: 3 Names to Watch: Big Decisions Loom for the Avalanche Heading Into NHL Draft

It’s hard to believe the start of free agency is less than a week away. I’m starting to believe the Avs might make a bigger UFA signing than they have in recent history. I’ll write more about that later in the week after seeing what they do at the draft (regarding trades).

Read More: Necas for Peterka: Are the Avalanche Positioned for a Sneaky One-for-One Trade?

Around The NHL

Evander Kane Traded: The Edmonton Oilers took the first step in clearing cap space on Wednesday, dealing Evander Kane and his $5.125 million cap hit to his hometown Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round draft pick. It’s the same pick they sent to Vancouver for Vasily Podkolzin last year.

Kane, who is in the last year of his deal, is one of two pieces the Oilers were rumored to be trying to unload to clear space. They have a lot to do this summer and there just simply wasn’t a fit for him anymore.

As for the Canucks? I’m not entirely sure what they gain from this. Perhaps Kane is nothing more than a trade chip at the deadline that can fetch more than what Vancouver used to acquire him.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: What’s Erik Karlsson’s trade value? I’m really curious how Kyle Dubas manages this expensive asset.

San Jose Hockey Now: GM Mike Grier met with media before the draft. Here are the takeaways.

NYI Hockey Now: Four trade targets the Isles should pursue this offseason.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins have new uniforms. It’s a nice change and, honestly, an excellent piece of work by their marketing department. I’m a big fan of this rebrand and the St. Louis Blues new jerseys that were announced earlier in the week.

Chicago Hockey Now: Andre Burakovsky doesn’t have much value. But he does bring one thing to a young Blackhawks team.