Deen’s Daily: Utah Lands Peterka; Wild Clear More Space; Drouin Out, Rodrigues In?

JJ Peterka’s time in Buffalo has come to an end and he’s on his way to the Central Division. Speaking of the Central, the Minnesota Wild cleared more cap space and are looking to go big in free agency. Also, Jonathan Drouin is unlikely to return to Colorado. How about a reunion with a different depth winger?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 26.

Colorado Hockey Now

As we inch closer to July 1, it’s becoming more clear that the Avalanche are likely moving on from Drouin. He has been a strong piece over the past two seasons, trailing only behind Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar in points. But with Gabe Landeskog back, and Valeri Nichushkin playing, it’s hard to find a fit for the now 30-year-old Drouin.

The latest report below reiterates this thought. But it’s still worth noting that Drouin made it to July 1 last year before re-signing so I wouldn’t rule that out just yet. The Avs don’t currently have space to bring him back, but they might by the time Tuesday comes around.

Read More: Report: Jonathan Drouin ‘Very Unlikely’ To Return To Colorado

The Florida Panthers, who are trying to bring back two (or maybe three) of Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad, have to shed cap space. And there was a report that Evan Rodrigues might end up being a cap casualty. If that’s the case, would a reunion in Colorado make sense?

The Avs have Charlie Coyle at 3C and teams are expressing interest. But if Chris MacFarland resists trading him, then he might look at changing up the wingers Coyle plays with. Last year it was Ross Colton (for one game), Drouin, and Joel Kiviranta.

Methinks Rodrigues would be a good fit. Read more below.

Read More: Trade Target: If Available, Reunion With Evan Rodrigues Makes Sense For Avalanche

Around The NHL

We’ve got a lot of rumors circulating ahead of tomorrow’s NHL Draft. I was going to include all of it here, but I felt that’s better suited as its own post later today. Keep an eye out for that!

Peterka Lands in Utah: One of the biggest dominos on the trade market landed in Utah late Wednesday night. In a trade that broke around midnight ET, the Buffalo Sabres traded disgruntled winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring. It’s somewhat of an underwhelming return but both of these players have the ability to really break out. If I’m a Sabres fan, I’m upset that a first-round pick (perhaps in 2026) wasn’t included in this trade.

Let’s hope the Sabres can figure things out and actually develop both of their new acquisitions. I have my doubts.

As for the Mammoth, Peterka signed a five-year deal worth $7.7 million, which makes him the second-highest paid player on the team behind last year’s big add, Mikhail Sergachev. These aren’t the Arizona Coyotes of yesteryear, that much we know for sure.

Minnesota Clears Space: The Wild are clearing more cap space ahead of July 1. They sent Freddy Gaudreau and his $2.1 million cap hit to the Seattle Kraken for a draft pick. Minnesota was rumored to be interested in Brock Nelson before he re-signed with Colorado. Could Brock Boeser be Bill Guerin’s next target?

84-Game Regular Season: Among the changes expected in the upcoming CBA, the NHL is reportedly expanding to 84 regular-season games starting in 2026-27. Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic also said it would mean that the preseason is shortened and the regular season would start in late September. I’ll write about the new CBA separately once the changes become official. But there’s some really interesting things coming after this season.

Kuznetsov’s Comeback: Evgeny Kuznetsov is looking to make an NHL comeback after one season in the KHL, according to his agent.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens are picking No. 11 and No. 12 on Friday. They’re slated to have a big night.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings need talent up front and have assets to move. Why couldn’t they land Peterka? 

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights are early favorites to land Mitch Marner. But first, they’ve signed extensions with both Reilly Smith and Brandon Saad.

Boston Hockey Now: Morgan Geekie had a spectacular breakout year with the Bruins in 2024-25. What’s the latest on his contract negotiations?