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The Avs
The Avalanche took to the ice on Friday for their last practice before wrapping up their preseason schedule later tonight:
Last practice of preseason: ☑️#GoAvsGo https://t.co/uL84gFJaWn
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 27, 2019
It’s almost, finally, time for Opening Night. And we are very excited.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ureLyi0Huo
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 28, 2019
Takeaways from Jared Bednar:
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) September 27, 2019
No exact return date for Ian Cole but adds he is making progress in his rehab.
Colin Wilson will play tomorrow.
Stated excitement for Joonas Donskoi. Says he likes him on PP2 and that he will play on the PK.
Colorado also made a minor-league trade, sending defenseman Nicolas Meloche to San Jose for goalie Antoine Bibeau. Hardev wrote about the trade:
As for his AHL success, Bibeau has a career .909 save percentage across five AHL seasons with the Toronto Marlies and San Jose Barracuda. In 182 games, Bibeau has a record of 95-60-20, with 16 shutouts. Based on his games played, Bibeau will be a solid 1a/1b, splitting the load with Werner. [Mile High Hockey]
Where do we stand with Mikko Rantanen? As more RFAs continue to sign, surely his extension is just around the corner. Things seem to be picking up, though not nearly as soon as Avs fans may hope:
Unsigned RFA Mikko Rantanen is also on his way back to Helsinki after skating with SC Bern, and there's belief he and the #avs are making progress on an extension.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 27, 2019
Still work to be done on a Rantanen contract. Are the Avs willing to go north of $9M aav on a long term deal? On the flip side, would Rantanen sign long term for under $9 M aav? The $9 M aav figure on a long term deal seems to be the key threshold. Can both sides bridge the gap?
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 27, 2019
The Prospects
Bowen Byram made his season debut for the Vancouver Giants last night after being sent back to junior a couple of days ago. He, along with fellow Avs prospect Trent Miner, were in the Giants’ starting lineup:
Starting Lineup:
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) September 28, 2019
G: @trent_miner
D: @BowenByram
D: @AKannok
LW: @owenhardy1313
C: @lukassve10
RW: @tristen_080
Ryan Clark of The Athletic wrote about Byram’s preseason performance:
Bowen Byram makes his season debut Friday with the Vancouver Giants knowing the next several months will be crucial toward making the #Avs roster next year. https://t.co/EueZPXFEpM
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) September 27, 2019
The League
Sidney Crosby had his number retired by his junior team, the Rimouski Oceanic, last night. In a touching gesture, the QMJHL surprised fans by announcing that his number would also be retired league-wide.
Sidney Crosby fighting back tears with a minutes-long standing ovation in Rimouski, crowd chanting “Cros-by, Cros-by!” Honestly one of the longest standing ovations I’ve ever witnessed. It’s unending. pic.twitter.com/4dPqVkoJ9I
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 27, 2019
BREAKING | As of next year, no one will wear Crosby’s number 87 in the #QMJHL. It will be retired across the league!
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) September 28, 2019
What a night. pic.twitter.com/inFHd0bHRL
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 28, 2019
The Winnipeg Jets re-signed Patrik Laine to a 2-year bridge deal (come on, Mikko, let’s get this done):
WINNIPEG IS GOOD!
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 27, 2019
Welcome back, @PatrikLaine29! pic.twitter.com/84RycrfRkZ
2 years at $6.75 aav for Laine. Announcement soon. https://t.co/gwWN9rO7gD
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 27, 2019
Enjoy the weekend, Avs fans!