Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Light Up Binnington; Team Canada Decisions; Another Trade

Three Avalanche players will play for Team Canada at the Olympics. But none of their goalies made the team. Also, Colorado embarrassed the Blues at Ball Arena, the Red Wings won again, and the Flyers and Penguins made a cross-state trade.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 1.

Colorado Hockey Now

New Year’s Eve was quit newsworthy that I’m not sure where even to begin. I guess starting with the announcement earlier in the morning makes the most sense. We already knew Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar were going to play for Team Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics. But now we know Devon Toews is also going.

READ MORE: Devon Toews Makes Team Canada, Will Play in First Olympic Games

Toews is going to have quite an eventful February. Unfortunately, Mackenzie Blackwood won’t be on the team despite it going right down to the wire for him as a goalie option.

READ MORE: Team Canada: Toews’ Eventful February; Blackwood Misses Cut

Several hours later, the Avs faced Jordan Binnington and the St. Louis Blues. Binnington is having an atrocious season but made the team because of his performance at 4 Nations. And it’s likely why Blackwood isn’t on the team.

The Avalanche lit up Binnington and embarrassed the Blues. It’s like they were sending a message. Blackwood didn’t see much at the other end but looked pretty solid when he did.

REA MORE: Postgame Wrap: Avalanche Put 6 Past Binnington, Blow Out Blues at Ball Arena

Around The NHL

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers wanted a played for Egor Zamula and they got one from their cross-State rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens sent Philip Tomasino the other way.

Montreal Hockey Now: Nick Suzuki is among the four new Team Canada forwards that didn’t play at the 4 Nations Face-Off who will be on the roster for Team Canada. Washington’s Tom Wilson is almost among that group.

NYI Hockey Now: Another one is Bo Horvat, who might, along with Suzuki, be the reason why Sam Bennett didn’t get the call.

San Jose Hockey Now: And of course, the worst-kept secret in recent days was 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini cracking Canada’s roster. Celebrini is third in the league in points behind Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. He’s on pace for 120+ points as an NHL sophomore.

Chicago Hockey Now: Unfortunately, Connor Bedard did not make the cut. Bedard’s injury almost three weeks ago might have something to do with that. But like Bennett, he might be an injury replacement if needed.

Florida Hockey Now: I’m shocked that Bennett won’t be there. Truly, surprised. However, his American teammate Seth Jones will be on that team once Team USA officially announces its roster on Friday morning.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings have 51 points at the halfway mark of the regular season. That run of playoff-less hockey might finally be coming to an end.