News and notes from around the NHL:
- The Colorado Avalanche have completed interviewing for their recent head coach vacancy, reports the Denver Post’s Mike Chambers, and expect to name a coach as early as Wednesday. Patrick Roy, the former head coach, abruptly quit this summer leaving Colorado with few options before training camp began. Two significant candidates have emerged, according to Terry Frei and Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Kevin Dineen and Bob Boughner. Dineen is currently the Chicago Blackhawks Assistant Coach, and Bougher is the San Jose Sharks Assistant Coach. Bougher also played with Colorado GM Joe Sakic before the 2005 lockout for two seasons.
- Raffi Torres told The Province writer John Matisz that he plans to retire if he does not make an NHL club. Raffi admitted that he does not have a back-up plan, and that it is “probably The Show or no.” Torres last held a job with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, but never stepped on the ice. He last played in the 2015 preseason where he blindsided Jakob Silfverberg and garnered a 41-game suspension. Suspensions and league discipline have dogged Torres throughout his career, and it is unlikely a team takes a chance on the Toronto-native. Torres has been on numerous NHL rosters throughout his career, with stops on the Islanders, Oilers, Blue Jackets, Sabres, Canucks, Coyotes, Sharks, and Maple Leafs.
- The NHLPA announced its roster for its annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase today and it has significant omissions. Only two players—Pierre-Luc Dubois and Matthew Tkachuk—are from the 2016 draft class. Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine are not participating, despite all top-three picks participating last year. Nevertheless the showcase isn’t a serious event. It functions more as a photo-op for Upper Deck and contains a end-of-showcase scrimmage.