Nazem Kadri celebrated his 1,000th game on Wednesday. Nashville lost again on Thursday and Ryan O’Reilly took full accountability. Also, injuries in Vegas and New Jersey, a battle between top teams in the Eastern Conference, and the first responses from the Avs CHN Mailbag.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — November 7.
Colorado Hockey Now
Several mailbag questions leaned towards the team’s center depth. Whether it was a thought about bringing in a 3C to push Jack Drury down, finding someone to play in place of Zakhar Bardakov, or what to do if Brock Nelson continues to struggle to produce points as the season continues.
Either way, the team might be better suited to have one more centerman in the lineup. Here are my responses to the two questions about center depth that stuck out most for me.
And please remember (because apparently people think I’m choosing these topics) …. These are mailbag questions. I asked for questions from the readers and I am responding to what readers would like to know. I am not creating rumors.
I understand and I’m fully aware that the Avs are No. 1 in the league. I am not looking past their goal scoring prowess or their underlying numbers at five-on-five. I am just answering hypothetical questions with hypothetical scenarios.
Enjoy.
READ MORE: Avalanche Mailbag 1.0: Fixing The Avalanche’s Center Depth
Around The NHL
Nazem Kadri 1,000 Games: It was nice to see Kadri play his 1,000th game on Wednesday and score a goal in the process. It was especially nice to see how the Flames organization celebrated his accomplishment, and how it stretched into Thursday with a video from Dion Phaneuf.
Kudos to Naz.
Ryan O’Reilly Torched… Himself? Nashville’s No. 1 center was not pleased, at all, with himself after yet another Predators loss. He’s taking full accountability and even torched himself and his career in the process.
Ryan O’Reilly just torched himself in the locker room after the loss.
“I can’t make a 6-foot pass to save my life… I’ve had one good year in my career” pic.twitter.com/1cLUzra5Y2
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) November 7, 2025
I can name at least 15 issues with Nashville’s organization before even muttering O’Reilly’s name. He’s not the one that should be taking blame for their struggles. But it’s just how he is, and it’s what makes him one the more intense competitors in the game.
I’ll never forget the image of him sitting in his locker stall in 2014 after the Avs lost Game 7 to the Minnesota Wild.
Team Canada Jersey Release: Team Canada’s Bauer-branded jerseys for the 2026 Winter Olympics are finally here. I think they’re fine. I especially love the white one, but I’ve never really been a fan of the black maple leaf logo. I’ve never really understood why Hockey Canada leans towards black on red.
Every stitch reflects our resilience, pride and belonging, forged through time and pressure. Introducing the 2026 Team Canada jersey. 🇨🇦#MilanoCortina2026 | @TeamCanada | @BauerHockey pic.twitter.com/CdGg6XIXc3
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) November 7, 2025
Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs and Devils entered Thursday’s matchup as the two top teams in the Eastern Conference. So of course, it went to OT. Montreal ended up on the losing end.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils had to overcome yet another injury in this one.
Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights are still trying to find a way to move forward without Adin Hill for a couple months. It complicates their goaltending even more.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The latest Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin matchup ended with a win and two goals for Crosby. Pittsburgh captain, at the age of 38, is tied for the league lead in goals with 11. The other 11-goal scorer? Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks. (Remember when the Avs and Ducks discussed a Bowen Byram for Gauthier trade? Imagine.)
Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins keep finding ways to win. That’s five straight now.
