Goalies were the talk of the league over the past day or so with one being traded and another signing a notable contract extension. Also, the Avalanche’s star defenseman expressed his feelings about the NHL’s divisional playoff format.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — September 14.
Colorado Hockey Now
The Avalanche play their second game of the rookie showcase this afternoon. And in a week from now, we’ll already be done with training camp and the double header of preseason games against the Utah Mammoth next Saturday.
That’s how quickly things are going to fly by.
In the meantime, here’s a fun story about Cale Makar expressing his thoughts about the playoff format during the NHL’s annual media tour in Vegas.
READ MORE: Makar Has Thoughts on the NHL’s Current Playoff Format
Around The NHL
Philly Hockey Now: After signing Dan Vladar on July 1, the expectation that he’d be a tandem goalie alongside Samuel Ersson. Where does that leave the towering Ivan Fedotov? It looks like the Flyers have no interest in juggling three goalies.
Fedotov was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets early Sunday morning. He makes $3.275 million against the cap but only $775,000 in actual dollars following a signing bonus payment two months ago. Very low risk for the Jackets, who try to navigate their goaltending with a struggling Elvis Merzlikins and a young Jet Greaves.
Chicago Hockey Now: When Dustin Wolf signed a long-term deal worth $7.5 million per season, many were quick to point out that Spencer Knight was the next young goalie up for a new contract next summer. The Blackhawks got Knight in the trade that sent Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers.
And now, Knight is locked in for three more years after the 2025-26 season. The term is lower than Wolf’s deal, and so is the AAV.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The latest Q&A on PHN has you covered on the team’s impending sale, Kyle Dubas’ next move, and, of course, Sidney Crosby. Also, will Erik Karlsson be the next notable trade in the NHL?
Florida Hockey Now: Sam Bennett is the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner and a paid man. He’s ready for the next chapter of his career as the Panthers try to march back to the Stanley Cup Final.
