No matter what way you look at it, the move made by Steve Yzerman on Tuesday is a head scratcher. Jake Walman is a little undersized, but he’s still a competent NHL defender. Was it really necessary to attach a second round pick to him just to get rid of him for absolutely nothing? I don’t think it was, but with $32 million to spend over the next few days, what the heck does Yzerman have planned?
Winnipeg had a good thing going last year putting Dylan DeMelo next to Josh Morrissey. They’re going to keep that good thing going for a few more years, and the DeMelo contract extension came with a bit of sticker shock. I wonder if we’re in line for more of that over the next few days.
Colorado Hockey Now
We’re going to dig more into this contract today, but the Avalanche got their only real restricted free agent locked up, giving Casey Mittelstadt a three year deal.
Are you ready for some July hockey? It’s not the most exciting stuff in the world, but we have the official dates and times for development camp.
It’s a copycat league, so might as well try to steal from the Florida Panthers. Here a few players that might make sense for the Avalanche.
News And Rumors Around The League
Detroit Hockey Now: There’s no way there’s not more moves coming, right? By trading Jake Walman and a second round pick for absolutely nothing, the Red Wings have a huge hole on their defense. What’s next for Steve Yzerman?
The Province: The NHL announced the 2024 Hall of Fame Class, and it’s once again missing a key name, as Alex Mogilny was snubbed again.
San Jose Hockey Now: At least the Sharks are starting to add some actual NHL talent to their team to maybe make life easier for their two young centers. They’re the beneficiary of the Red Wings unloading Jake Walman.
ESPN: Dylan DeMelo is a solid defenseman, and if the Avalanche had any cap space, he would have been a great target this summer. They don’t, so getting him was unrealistic. Still, seeing DeMelo get almost $5 million a year was a little surprising. I guess he timed the best season of his NHL career really well. This free agent class just got a little weaker.
Losing Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Final is tough, but most people have expected Ken Holland to move on from the Edmonton Oilers. It certainly sounds like that’s the way things are trending.
I believe there’s a role for Ken Holland moving forward in Edmonton…IF he wants it. His situation will be clarified within a few days. As of right now indications are that he will not be at the Draft in Vegas.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 25, 2024
If you’re the next GM of the Oilers, your first order of business is deciding what to do with Leon Draisaitl.
Florida Hockey Now: He has played for some really bad teams during his NHL career, but he finally got a real chance at some postseason hockey this year. Safe to say the move to Florida paid off for Kyle Okposo.
Philly Hockey Now: It’s all but official. His KHL contract has been terminated, so get ready for the arrival of Matvei Michkov.
Chicago Hockey Now: Jeremy Roenick got the call to the Hall on Tuesday, but there’s another Blackhawks legend who might be more deserving.
