Aarif Deen
The Avalanche are the first team to make a splash out of the Olympic break’s trade freeze. Brett Kulak is coming in and Samuel Girard is on his way out. Also, the American Olympians are slowly returning to their respective teams. At least some of them have so far.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 25.
Colorado Hockey Now
The Avs made a pretty big trade on Tuesday, moving Samuel Girard to Pittsburgh to acquire Brett Kulak and a new look on the blueline.
The move came just as the team was preparing to take the ice for practice on Tuesday. In the locker room, there was excitement for what Kulak could bring, but there were a lot of emotions for Girard’s departure.
Only Nathan MacKinnon and Gabe Landeskog had been around for longer than Girard.
Around The NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Kyle Dubas answered questions after the trade was made. Here’s why he made the deal, and why he had his eyes on Girard.
Boston Hockey Now: As celebrations continue for Team USA, the Bruins could play without Jeremy Swayman and Charlie MacAvoy on Thursday.
Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings also don’t resume play until Thursday, but they expect their captain to dress in that game.
Forever Blueshirts: Traded to L.A. right before the trade freeze, Artemi Panarin pens a heartfelt goodbye to the Rangers.
Carolina Hockey Now: The Olympics gave Frederik Andersen the reset he needed amid a tough season with the Hurricanes.