The Daily: Tatar Perfect Fit For Avalanche; Vegas GM Finds Gems

The Colorado Avalanche’s signing of Tomas Tatar is akin to finding a quality item in the bargain bin.

Colorado Hockey Now writer Evan Rawal offers that teams don’t usually find desirable free agents in the middle of September. Tatar seemed out of a place with the group of free agents that were still available.

“No, Tatar is not a perfect player,” Rawal writes. “Like most that find themselves unemployed just a week before training camp, he has flaws, but they’re flaws the Avalanche can deal with. The 32 year old fills an immediate need for Colorado, and at least during the regular season, makes them a better team.”

Colorado needed another scorer for its top nine forward group, and Tatar scored 20 goals last season. It was the 20-goal season of his career. He did it three times for the Red Wings.

“Having just come from the Devils system,” Rawal continued, “where the focus was on speed and skating, Tatar should have no issues fitting in with the Avalanche.”

Red Wings’ Next Game

Detroit rookies take on the Dallas Stars’ rookies tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City. Red Wings management will be looking to see where their younger players are in terms of conditioning and execution. Keep an eye on Amadeus Lombardi. He has exceeded expectations since the Red Wings drafted him in 2022.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Behind the paywall (+), Detroit Hockey Now takes a look at the best and worst case scenarios for the Detroit Red Wings for the 2023-24 NHL season.
• Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward has some thoughts on coach Mike Babcock‘s latest antics.
• Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland gave former Red Wings forward Adam Erne a PTO.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Defenseman Charlie McAvoy has some fun giving New York Jets fans the business. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: Can Matthew Savoie or Jiri Kulich replace the injured Quinn? Mike Augello explores this question. Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago: Andrew Ladd retired this week. CHN’s Nate Brown looks at his contributions during the franchise’s championship run. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Pittsburgh: Speaking of having some fun,  Kris Letang participated in a players-organized Montreal Canadiens practice wearing all of his Pittsburgh Penguins gear.

Vegas: Could Max Comtois be a diamond in the rough? Chris Gawlik looks at GM Chris Gawlik’s knock of finding hidden gems. Comtois is with the Vegas Golden Knights on a PTO