Jason Robertson is staying in Dallas, but he's only committing for one more year for now. What happens after this season? Zakhar Bardakov is back in the KHL but made it clear that he doesn't want to be there long. Will the Avalanche give him another shot in 12 months? Also, can the Blackhawks and Patrick Kane reach a deal?
All that and more on this edition of Deen's Daily — July 23.
Zakhar Bardakov spoke to a Russian outlet last week and had a lot of great things to say about his one season with the Avalanche. Among them, he said he hopes to return to the NHL someday, and it could be as early as next summer.
The Avs retained Bardakov's rights even after his departure back to the KHL.
Bardakov was one of several moving pieces this summer. With all the changes, here are five players I think could hit career highs in 2026-27.
Jason Robertson:The Dallas Stars and star forward Jason Robertson are kicking the can down the road. Robertson agreed to a one-year deal worth $12 million, which will walk him directly into unrestricted free agency on July 1 if he doesn't extend before then. The two sides can't sign another deal until January 1.
It'll be interesting to see how this unfolds. Robertson has wanted to stay in Dallas all along, but he also wants to get paid appropriately. He ultimately took the one-year pay cut (funny, $12 million is a pay cut now) to focus on winning this year, while also seeing if Jim Nill is willing to offer more after the conclusion of Tyler Seguin's contract next June.
Chicago Hockey Now:Connor Bedard was open about wanting to play with Patrick Kane when he was asked about it. GM Kyle Davidson has also hinted at a reunion. Can the two sides get a deal done?
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Grading the Penguins' offseason, and all the moves from Kyle Dubas thus far.
Detroit Hockey Now:Changes that need to come from Steve Yzerman's successor.
Montreal Hockey Now: How former Canadiens performed with new teams in 2025-26.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Seven keys for the Devils to make the playoffs next season.
The post Deen's Daily: Bardakov Wants Back in NHL; Robertson Commits to Dallas, Kind of; Kane/Chicago Reunion Coming? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now .
