Aarif Deen
The Colorado Avalanche were quiet on Saturday but their division rival in Nashville got a big piece of work done. Jason Robertson has not only frustrated Dallas Stars management, but perhaps his teammates, too? Also, we are awaiting decisions on offer sheets for both Barrett Hayton and Leo Carlsson.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 5.
Around The NHL
Jason Robertson: It sounds like several Stars players have been reaching out to Robertson, wondering what in the world is going on. Robertson rejected a trade to Seattle that would’ve helped the Stars recoup assets and move on to other things (perhaps Dylan Larkin). He’s also rejected contract offers at or a slightly above Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million.
Mavrik Bourque: The Nashville Predators already traded for and signed Jack Drury to a long-term deal. Now they’ve done the same with Mavrik Bourque, who locked in a six-year deal carrying a $5.5 million AAV. The Stars traded Bourque to offload Ilya Lyubushkin’s contract, gain cap space for a potential Robertson extension or replacement, and to avoid dealing with an offer sheet down the line.
You have to wonder if, at this point, his returning to the Stars would cause issues in that room. Even if that’s still his most favorable destination.
Philly Hockey Now: How the Flyers could convince the Ducks to not match the Carlsson offer sheet by offering up a trade.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Utah Mammoth have three more days to decide if they’re keeping Hayton. Is there a Kraken forward on the Devils’ radar as a backup plan?
Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings have an opportunity to change their culture. Will they move forward?
Florida Hockey Now: Radko Gudas is ready to create more havoc for the Panthers. He returns after spending three years in Anaheim.
Forever Blueshirts: Examining the best lineup fits for the Rangers’ new star, Pavel Dorofeyev.