Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Injury Updates; 10-Point Cushion; Fitzgerald’s Tenure in NJ

The Avalanche have some injuries ahead of their road trip. Their victory on Tuesday put them 10 points up on the rest of the NHL. Also, looking back at a phenomenal month for the Red Wings, and an assessment of Tom Fitzgerald’s time as Devils GM.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 2.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche ended 2025 with a bang against the struggling St. Louis Blues. And with that performance, they opened up a comfortable cushion on the rest of the NHL for the top seed.

READ MORE: 10 Takeaways: Avalanche Enter 2026 With a 10-Point Cushion For Top Seed (+)

Also, two injuries were announced. One of them missed the game on Wednesday, and the other was injured in that game. Both are on the road with the Avs.

READ MORE: Two Avalanche Forwards Suffer Injuries, Will Travel With Team

Around The NHL

New Jersey Hockey Now: What experts are saying about the tenure of Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Yegor Chinakhov talks new opportunity with Penguins.

Detroit Hockey Now: It’s been 15 years since the Red Wings have had a month like they what they accomplished in December. They were the second best team in the league behind Colorado.

Florida Hockey Now: Matthew Tkachuk won’t play in the Winter Classic after all.

San Jose Hockey Now: Macklin Celebrini talks MVP chants and making Team Canada as a teenager.