It was a successful opening night for the Avalanche. The Penguins had a great start, too. Also, is Kyle Connor about to become the second-highest-paid winger behind Kirill Kaprizov?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — October 8.

Colorado Hockey Now

What a great start to the season for the Avalanche. They cruised to victory over the Los Angeles Kings after a slower, low-event first period.

Here’s how I saw things unfold. What worked, what didn’t, and how the team can move forward as they prepare for two straight home games at Ball Arena.

READ MORE: The Aftermath: Necas, Wedgewood Lead Dominant Avalanche on Opening Night

Kudos to Nathan MacKinnon. He had two assists on Tuesday to surpass Joe Sakic on the points list in an Avalanche sweater.

This team has been around for 30 years, and the only two guys with more than 1,000 points in that time are both of these legends.

READ MORE: Nathan MacKinnon Surpasses Joe Sakic for Most Points with Avalanche

Around The NHL

Kyle Connor: It never felt like the Winnipeg Jets were going to have any issues getting Connor locked in for a contract extension. But I never thought it would happen this quickly.

Reports started to circulate from several NHL Insiders that Connor and the Jets would like to get a deal done before they start their season on Thursday. Elliotte Friedman later said he expects the deal to be eight years and in the $12 million range.

If he gets a dollar more than that number, he’ll pass both Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner, and trail only Kaprizov as the highest paid winger in the NHL. I really wonder what this does for the Martin Necas talks, whenever the Connor contract becomes official.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights would also like to take care of contract business soon. Jack Eichel is also aiming to sign for eight years.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Big debuts for head coach Dan Muse and new starting goalie Arturs Silovs in Pittsburgh.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers opened the season with a victory over the Blackhawks after raising their Stanley Cup banner.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers haven’t played a game yet and they’re already monitoring the blueline trade market. What could they be seaking?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings rookies are going to get long leashes this year. It’ll be a learning curve, that’s for sure.


Contribute to CHN's travel and support local journalism!