The Avalanche released their roster for next week’s rookie showcase and Taylor Makar will not play. Also, a season preview for Jack Drury, the CBA changes that will begin in 2025-26, and more information on Luke Hughes’ contract standoff with the New Jersey Devils.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — September 3.
Colorado Hockey Now
It already feels like we’ve had more news around the NHL over the past 48 hours than we did for most of August. There haven’t been any trades or signings of note, but the general managers and head coaches are all in Detroit for meetings, and quite a bit is being discussed.
Most notably, there are updates trickling out about the CBA that starts in 2026-27. Some of those changes will begin now. I’ll highlight more below, but it starts with a quick story I wrote about how it can be advantageous for the Avs.
READ MORE: NHL Insider Frank Seravalli Outlines CBA Timeline That Benefits the Avalanche
Colorado also released its roster for the upcoming Rookie Showcase starting late next week at South Suburban Sports Complex. Taylor Makar might be the most notable name on the roster, but he’s listed as unavailable, and I’m not sure why. Makar skated with Milan Hejduk at Family Sports today and he was sporting a red non-contact sweater.
The roster, which also includes Gavin Brindley, can be found below.
READ MORE: Avalanche Release 2025 Rookie Showcase Roster
In the first of a series of season previews I’ll be writing over the coming weeks, I highlighted the opportunity that centerman Jack Drury has this season.
Can the 25-year-old be the permanent 3C this team can build around? He’s heading into the last year of his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. This would be a great time for him to take that spot permanently.
READ MORE: Season Preview: Jack Drury Has Opportunity to Solidify Key Avalanche Role
Around The NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dan Kingerski did a great job breaking down the changes. It sounds like accruing cap space won’t benefit the Avs as much as I thought. This is coming into play for the 2025-26 season.
Also, the 84-game regular season starting in 2026-27 will begin in late September. I’m a big fan of this.
Montreal Hockey Now: How the CBA changes impact the Habs and what they’re trying to do.
Vegas Hockey Now: This is a fun read if you’re a fan of literally any other team that isn’t Vegas. How the CBA changes (most notably LTIR) will impact the Golden Knights moving forward.
Philly Hockey Now: Former Avs fan favorite Ian Laperriere spent years in a coaching role in the Flyers organization. He’s now taking a different position for Patrick Roy and the New York Islanders.
New Jersey Hockey Now: What’s really going on with Luke Hughes and the Devils in their contract standoff?
Florida Hockey Now: Today marks five years since the Panthers hired Bill Zito. Has there been a more influential front office hire in recent memory?
