Deen's Daily
Deen’s Daily: EJ Presser; McDavid Signs Stunning Contract; Hockey Season is Here!
Erik Johnson met with local media for his retirement press conference. Also, the Avalanche and the other 31 teams revealed their season-opening rosters. And on the eve of the regular season, Connor McDavid signed a shocking contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — October 7.
Colorado Hockey Now
It’s here.
The Avalanche play hockey tonight.
Regular-season hockey.
Here’s the Avs’ opening night roster, which includes three rookies and another who will be added to the roster very soon.
READ MORE: Roster Is Set. Avalanche Open 2025-26 Season With 3 Rookies, 3 Goalies
Starting goalie Mackenzie Blackwood was also taking shots at practice, albeit he won’t be available for the first game of the season.
It was an eventful day all around for the Avs. General manager Chris MacFarland met with media, too, alongside head coach Jared Bednar. Here’s a story, my focus, from that presser.
The busy day began with Erik Johnson’s retirement press conference. He was all class, as usual.
🗣️Jared Bednar and Chris MacFarland's full availability before the start of NHL regular season tomorrow. ⬇️#GoAvsGo | @gs_off_ice pic.twitter.com/dYhzqhjJVb
— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) October 6, 2025
Around The NHL
McDavid: The collective hockey world was shocked by McDavid’s extension on Monday. The best player in the world not only is going to make less than Kirill Kaprizov, but he’s also going to remain at $12.5 million for two more seasons, which keeps him ranked fifth for the highest AAV in the league.
McDavid is signaling to the Oilers that they’ve got three years to win a Cup with him on a sweetheart deal. His contract was already one of the best bargains in the league. But in two years, the cap is going up by roughly $20 million, and he’s still going to be making $12.5 million.
Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins are retiring Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 this season.
Florida Hockey Now: The Tampa Bay Lightning and their head coach Jon Cooper were both handed individual fines after the crazy fight-filled affair against Florida over the weekend.
Philly Hockey Now: John Tortorella, ESPN.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Projecting the upcoming season for Sidney Crosby and the Pens.
