Aarif Deen
The Colorado Avalanche traded Valeri Nichushkin. His tenure with the Avs ends after seven seasons. Other trades involving depth players were also completed on Thursday. But a big one involving Jason Robertson still hasn’t reached the finish line after he rejected a whopper of a contract in what would’ve been a sign-and-trade with another Western Conference team.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 26.
Colorado Hockey Now
Another cost-saving trade by the Avalanche on Thursday. This one stings the most and has tons of mixed emotions.
The Valeri Nichushkin era in Colorado is over. He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a second, third, and fifth-round draft pick.
Here’s where the Avs stand following the three trades they’ve made. Ross Colton, Jack Drury, and Nichushkin are all gone.
The Avs now have the No. 43 draft pick in tomorrow’s second round. Will they use it? If they do, I’d imagine we might see that player at development camp, which begins on Tuesday.
Reminder to get your Mailbag questions in ASAP!
Around The NHL
Jason Robertson: Whopper news was reported by Elliotte Friedman late Thursday night. The Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken had a trade on the table that would’ve sent Robertson to the Kraken in exchange for, as part of the package, the No. 7 overall pick. The deal didn’t reach the finish line because Robertson rejected a contract from Seattle. He doesn’t want to sign there.
That part isn’t the surprising given how that franchise has looked since entering the NHL in 2021. They’re not a destination. What’s shocking is the deal he turned down. Eight years, $120 million in a heavily frontloaded contract that would’ve made him the second-highest paid player in the NHL behind Kirill Kaprizov ($15 million AAV).
We’ll see where this goes from here. The Stars are keeping all options open, including a potential contract extension with the Stars. But they’re holding firm on keeping him around Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million AAV and Robertson is adamant on making $14 million+ for a Stanley Cup contender.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins made a very Kyle Dubas-type of trade with the Washington Capitals.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils added another depth defenseman on Thursday.
Chicago Hockey Now: Bowen Byram talks trade to Chicago, Connor Bedard, and signing an eventual contract extension.
Florida Hockey Now: Florida added a forward who will likely replace AJ Greer in the lineup.