Evan’s NHL Daily: It’s Celebrini Time, Sabres Move On From High Pick

There really wasn’t any doubt, was there? Sure, it took him a few days to actually sign, but everyone had to know Macklin Celebrini was signing. As soon as the San Jose Sharks signed Tyler Toffoli, it was a done deal. Now the questions is – what kind of rookie season will he have in the NHL?

It’s been a few days but we haven’t done a daily since that bizarre trade between the Buffalo Sabres and the Edmonton Oilers. Why did the Sabres feel so comfortable moving on from a top 10 pick in order to get a bottom six center?

Colorado Hockey Now

He looked better in the NHL than the AHL, and that’s strange to say. Another year with the Avalanche for Jason Polin.

Assessing the moves the Avalanche made this past week. I’m a fan of the Ottawa guy they signed, but there is a distinct lack of size on the defense. (+)

‘

News And Rumors

San Jose Hockey Now: Everyone knew Macklin Celebrini was going to sign, but Mike Grier takes everyone behind the scenes as to why he signed his first NHL deal. Getting some actual NHL players in to help Celebrini and Will Smith certainly played a part in it.

Buffalo Hockey Now: On the surface, kind of a confusing trade, as the Sabres move Matt Savoie for Ryan McLeod.

The more you look at it, the more it starts to make sense, but it’s a prime example of how poorly run that Sabres organization is. They’ve used a ton of high draft picks on small forwards. Whether it be Jack Quinn, Zach Benson, or Savoie, they had an abundance of talented but small forwards. I get why they moved one, but these are prime draft picks that you’re moving for a bottom six forward. You shouldn’t be moving assets like that to get depth forwards, and that’s one reason why that organization hasn’t done anything in years.

Philly Hockey Now: A way-too-early look at the 2025 NHL Draft, where the Flyers actually hold Colorado’s first round pick.

Detroit Hockey Now: Steve Yzerman missed out in free agency on someone they really wanted, and it’s a good bet that someone was Steven Stamkos.

Nashville Hockey Now: Oh, what could have been, as Yegor Surin is already a standout at Preds camp.