We’re just a little over a month away from the start of free agency in the NHL, but that doesn’t mean teams can’t sign the guys currently on their roster. With the cap going up, this year seems like it might be a little bit more difficult to project what free agents will make in what is not exactly the most impressive group, but this week, AFP Analytics gave it their best shot at projecting what the top 75 will make.
Over in Europe, old friend Sven Andrighetto scored the winning shootout goal against Canada to send Switzerland to the Gold Medal Game at the World Championships.
All that and more in this Sunday edition of Evan’s Daily.
Colorado Hockey Now
It’s been a slower few days here at CHN, as I needed a few days to recharge. My kid finished first grade and I messed up my shoulder a fair bit, so that doesn’t help things either. Things will ramp up this week as far as content goes as we head into a crucial offseason for the Avalanche.
Early Contract Projections
Chris MacFarland sure made it seem like money is going to be tight for the Avalanche this summer. He won’t like some of these contract projections, although he probably already has an idea what it would cost to re-sign some of these guys.
Here’s what the projected cost is for some Avalanche free agents…
Sean Walker – 3 years, $4.65 million per year
Jonathan Drouin – 4 years, $5 million per year
Yakov Trenin – 3 years, $2.55 million per year
Brandon Duhaime – 3 years, $1.8 million per year
Again, these are just projections. It doesn’t take into account someone’s willingness to take a discount, and every summer we see guys that overvalue themselves in NHL free agency and end up taking way less than what was originally projected.
The most discouraging part here has to be the Trenin and Duhaime contracts. MacFarland made the $2 million that Evan Rodrigues got a few years back sound like it might be too pricey for the Avalanche this summer, so those might be tough to do. Of the two, I think Trenin would be the bigger priority, as he provides some versatility with what position he can play.
Again, don’t take all these to the bank. They think Brady Skjei will make $7.5 million a year, and I certainly wouldn’t give him anywhere close to that. You can read them all here.
Sven Andrighetto Ends Canada’s Chances
Sven10 scored a pretty memorable goal in an Avalanche uniform back in 2018, and did it again on Saturday.
Andrighetto hasn’t played an NHL game since 2019, but is still kicking around over in Europe. Here he is scoring the shootout winner to make sure Canada doesn’t win Gold at the World Championships.
Sven Andrighetto scores the shootout winning goal in the 4th round of the shootout!
They advance to face Czechia in the gold medal game. pic.twitter.com/j8jUBLTQYR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 25, 2024
The Gold Medal will go to either Switzerland or the Czech Republic. It’s hard to take much from that tournament when the best NHL talent is either still playing or just chose not to go, but it’s fun seeing different countries win than what we’re used to.
Conference Finals
On the ice, the Dallas Stars were saved by their goaltender, who kept his team in it during a first period where the Stars looked like they were asleep. Dallas recovered and went on to win 3-1, tying the series up at one. This series has been the worst combination of NHL hockey imaginable – low scoring and emotionless. At least the Panthers and Rangers have been throwing their bodies around to make it interesting. That hasn’t been the case for the Stars and Oilers.
National Hockey Now
The Bruins, like apparently half of the NHL, are linked to Martin Necas.
The Swiss Army Knife of the Florida Panthers, Evan Rodrigues.
Is every NHL team trying to find their Matt Rempe?