Avalanche Return to the Ice, Bussi Gets Extension, and Olympic Action Heats Up
The Colorado Avalanche are already back in action this afternoon, and while it’s technically an optional skate, it marks the beginning of what promises to be a busy stretch for the team.
After their recent game against San Jose, the Avs penciled in a 2:30 p.m. MT optional practice at Family Sports Center.
It’s a light re-entry, but with the Olympic break winding down and the NHL schedule looming, the pace is about to pick up. Head coach Jared Bednar won’t be addressing the media until after Wednesday’s full team practice, but expect things to ramp up quickly from there.
While the Avs are easing back into their routine, Olympic qualifying action is already underway in Italy. None of the current Avs are suiting up in the early games, but later today, eyes will turn to a pair of matchups featuring some familiar faces.
Martin Nečas and Czechia are set to take on Denmark, and later in the day, Gabe Landeskog will lead Sweden against Latvia. Both games offer a chance to see how these NHL stars are performing on the international stage, and for Landeskog in particular, it’s another step on his long road back to full-time NHL action.
Brandon Bussi Gets Rewarded in Carolina
Over in Carolina, the Hurricanes locked in goaltender Brandon Bussi with a contract extension, and it’s hard to argue with the move. Since being claimed off waivers, Bussi has given the Canes exactly what they needed between the pipes-steady, reliable play and flashes of high-end potential. It’s the kind of savvy roster move that can pay dividends down the stretch, especially in a league where goaltending depth is gold.
The extension doesn’t break the bank, either. For what Bussi’s brought to the table so far, Carolina got solid value, especially when you compare it to other deals signed by young netminders around the league. He’s not just a stopgap-he’s looking more and more like a long-term piece of the puzzle.
Around the League: Goalie Moves, Pastrnak’s Struggles, and Rangers’ Summer Plans
Elsewhere in the NHL, the Red Wings’ goaltending situation appears to be stabilizing after last summer’s trade for John Gibson. That deal gave Detroit a proven veteran presence, but the Wings also have young talent in the pipeline pushing for NHL time. One of those prospects is hungry for another shot with the big club, and with Detroit in the playoff hunt, depth in net could become a storyline to watch.
In Olympic play, David Pastrnak hasn’t quite found his rhythm for Czechia. He knows it, and so do fans watching closely.
It’s not for lack of effort-Pastrnak’s still generating chances-but the production hasn’t matched his usual standard. With elimination games approaching, he’ll be looking to flip the switch.
And in New York, the Rangers appear headed for another summer of tough decisions. After a season that didn’t live up to expectations, the front office is reportedly preparing to offload some pieces.
One intriguing angle? The possibility of pursuing an offer sheet.
It’s a bold strategy-and a rare one in today’s NHL-but given the Rangers’ cap situation and need for impact talent, it’s a card they might be willing to play.
What’s Next
For the Avs, the focus shifts to getting their full roster back in sync as players return from Olympic duty and the NHL calendar resumes. With postseason positioning on the line, every practice and every game from here on out matters just a little more.
And for fans, this is the sweet spot-where international competition collides with the NHL grind, and storylines start to take shape for the stretch run.