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June 4, 2026
Joe Sakic avalanche nhl draft
June 24, 2016: Avalanche General Manager, Joe Sakic, announces Colorado's selection of Tyson Jost as the 10th pick in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire.)

The Colorado Avalanche are officially without a general manager. But it doesn’t sound like they wanted to let him go. Is Joe Sakic prepared for what’s to come now that MacFarland is no longer by his side? Also, a new name has entered the Maple Leafs’ coaching conversation and Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is tonight.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 4.

Colorado Hockey Now

We learned on Wednesday that the Colorado Avalnache didn’t really want Chris MacFarland to leave. Nashville’s owner, Bill Haslam, said Colorado didn’t make it easy, but they still obliged, allowing MacFarland to explore the bigger and better opportunity, both in terms of position and pay.

The Avs reportedly tried to counteroffer but, understandably so, couldn’t match what the Predators could bring to the table. This thread from a local reporter in Nashville is worth reading.

It felt really strange to watch MacFarland’s introductory press conference on Wednesday morning with the Predators logo around him. Just eight days prior, MacFarland was in tears at T-Mobile Arena when the Avalanche lost. He sat in the press booth behind me during those two road games and wore his heart on his sleeve with every shot, goal, save, and play throughout those two games. It feels strange that he’s no longer part of this anymore. It just happened so quickly.

Also raises the question, was Joe Sakic prepared for this? Is he ready to take on the workload of a pivotal month ahead on his own? I’m really interested in seeing where the Avs go from here, both during the offseason and with regards to a new general manager hire at some point, assuming they go that route.

Anyway, here’s the first part of the Mailbag, covering three questions pertaining to Martin Necas, resting superstars, and Brent Burns.

Also Read:Avalanche Mailbag 1.0: Necas’ Playoff Reputation, Limiting MacKinnon’s Ice Time, & Brent Burns’ Future

Stanley Cup Final Recap

  • Game 1: Vegas Golden Knights 5 at Carolina Hurricanes 4 (VGK leads 1-0)
  • Game 2: Vegas Golden Knights at Carolina Hurricanes (June 4 at 6 pm MT)
  • Game 3: Carolina Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights (June 6 at 6 pm MT)
  • Game 4: Carolina Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights (June 9 at 6 pm MT)
  • Game 5: Vegas Golden Knights at Carolina Hurricanes (June 11 at 6 pm MT if necessary)
  • Game 6: Carolina Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights (June 14 at 6 pm MT if necessary)
  • Game 7: Vegas Golden Knights at Carolina Hurricanes (June 17 at 6 pm MT if necessary)

Read More: Hurricanes Drop Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final…but It Wasn’t as Bad as You’d Think

Around The NHL

Toronto Hockey Now: In a stunning turn of events, Montreal Canadiens (and Avalanche) legend Patrick Roy is a frontrunner for the Maple Leafs’ coaching position.

Montreal Hockey Now: Finding comparable contracts for the upcoming Ivan Demidov extension.

Philly Hockey Now: Are the Flyers the frontrunners for a top UFA defenseman?

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins could target a young RFA forward with the Dallas Stars. And not the one you’re thinking of.

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