The Daily: Avalanche Lament ‘One That Got Away’; Sean Avery’s Love Life

CHN’s Evan Rawal views Evan Rodrigues as the “The one that got away” from the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche let Rodrigues go to free agency last season and he signed a reasonable three-year contract ($3 million AAV) with the Florida Panthers. Now, he has a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The Avalanche miss his array of abilities.

“He can basically do it all,” Sasha Barkov told Florida Hockey Now. “He can play defense really well, he plays offense really well, he takes face-offs, you can put him in any situation on the ice. Off the ice, he’s a great guy. He can hang out with anyone and be a great guy with anyone, so that’s a really good thing to have as a person and I’m really impressed by him ever since Day 1.”

Wrote Rawal: “None of this should come as a surprise to Colorado fans. That’s who Rodrigues was for them last year. Sure, he was inconsistent offensively, and that’s probably why he didn’t get a bigger contract over the summer, but he was someone you could slot in on any line and feel comfortable with what he would provide. He’s adaptable to any role a coaching staff gives him. That’s extremely valuable in this league.’

Evan Rodrigues- “For the most part we did (in Game 1) what makes us successful, and we got to continue to do that today.” pic.twitter.com/Q7hBH4474b

— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) May 24, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings signed leading goal scorer Jakub Rychlovsky  from the Czech Extraliga. He posted 26 goals in 51 games this past season.

Are former Red Wings player Sean Avery and actress Mary Kate Olsen more than friends?

Although the Red Wings didn’t sign Jan Bednar to an NHL contract, he is staying in the organization. He received a one-year contract from the Grand Rapids Griffins. Bednar is only 21 and may play another season with the Toledo Walleye.

Red Wings Offseason

If the Red Wings sign Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider to long-term contracts, and convince Patrick Kane and Shayne Gostisbehere to stay, they wouldn’t have cap space to spend on a free agent. But if Kane and Gostisbehere go elsewhere, it could open the door to bidding on a free agent scorer. GM Steve Yzerman does have a relationship with Steven Stamkos. Jonathan Marchessault could also be in the marketplace. Yzerman always surprises us.

Hockey Now Network

Montreal: The Canadiens could consider drafting Lane Hutson’s brother, Cole, at the No. 26 pick if he’s still there. He’s also a dynamic puck-moving defenseman. The Habs also pick fifth.  Montreal Canadiens. 

Philadelphia: A source has told PHN’s Jonathan Bailey that the Flyers expect to re-sign Travis Konecny to a long-term deal this summer. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski explains the Catch 22 that now comes with coach Mike Sullivan. He has a special bond with his top players. They believe in him. But because he has that special bond he won’t make the bold moves he needs to make. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sheng Peng explores how long it will take the Sharks to build a winning team. San Jose Sharks.