Deen’s Daily: Leafs Land Another Bargain Contract; Ross Colton Back At Center?

The Avalanche are giving Ross Colton another try at center. The Panthers need this player to step up in Aleksander Barkov’s absence. Also, are the Leafs improving at negotiating contracts?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — September 29.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche’s opening-night roster seems to have already been determined.

Without Logan O’Connor healthy to start the year, they’ll have some combination of Victor Olofsson, Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Zakhar Bardakov, Parker Kelly, and Joel Kiviranta playing in the bottom six. Perhaps Gavin Brindley rounding it out as the 13th forward.

But Jared Bednar wants options. He wants to be able to play Kelly at center if Bardakov struggles. He’d like to also have an option to push Drury back to 4C if necessary. In order for that to happen? Colton would need to play center again.

He got a look already, and will get another few reps in that position just to be ready.

Here’s what Bednar had to say about it.

READ MORE: Avs Coach Looking At ‘Multiple Options’ For Centers

Here’s where the Avalanche’s full training camp roster currently sits.

READ MORE: Gagne, Attard Among Latest Round of Avalanche Roster Cuts

Around The NHL

Stolarz Signs Extension: It feels like the Maple Leafs have managed to shift their reputation as a bad negotiator in one offseason. First it was John Tavares signing for a bargain deal. Then it was Matt Knies getting far less than expectation on his second deal with a lengthy six-year term.

Now? Anthony Stolarz. The team’s tandem goaltender was rumored to be negotiating for a deal in the $4-$5 million range. Instead, he signed for four years on Sunday with a lower $3.75 million AAV. Kudos to Brad Treliving and the Leafs. That’s a great deal.

Ducks Take Care of Business: We’ve talked a lot about Luke Hughes, Luke Evangelista, and Mason McTavish in recent weeks. The trio were the last remaining RFA’s without a contract. But now it’s down to the Luke’s.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Could Marc-Andre Fleury influence Evgeni Malkin to play for another team later this season?

His legacy in Pittsburgh and around the NHL in general was celebrated.

Detroit Hockey Now: One Red Wings prospect had a breakout performance in the KHL.

Florida Hockey Now: Remember when it seemed like the Panthers needed to trade Evan Rodrigues in order to be cap compliant? The Barkov injury means otherwise. Now, Florida needs him more than ever.