It’s that time again folks, the #PHRMailbag is taking questions. The mailbag will be released this weekend with our very own Brian La Rose answering those burning queries like always. Have a question about playoff seeding? What about the NCAA tournament? Which draft-eligible prospect will surprise, and which will disappoint?
Make sure to submit your questions on Twitter using the hashtag #PHRMailbag, or leave them in the comment section down below. Though Brian may not be able to answer every single one, our other readers may chime in with their thoughts.
You can read our last mailbag right here, where Brian touches on several topics including Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba and the future for Alain Vigneault. You can also click the tag at the bottom of the article for past mailbags, or use this link.
Who are some realistic options for the Rangers to consider during free agency? Who could they target on the trade market with Jeff Gorton’s willingness to move one of their three first round picks?
Gavin, do you see the Red Wings bringing both Ken Holland & Jeff Blashill back next year? Have you heard any talk either way?
What’s your take on Dave Hakstol? I think most Flyers fans are unhappy with him. He did give Couturier a chance to excel as the team’s top center. Giroux moving left wing has worked out but I would chalk up his health as a major reason for the resurgence as well. Ghostisbehere recovered from the same surgery with a similar trajectory. Beyond that, it seems like he slows their young players progression in favor of inept veterans. The team struggles against inferior teams and he as a coach seems to lack the ability to shift the momentum of a game like a Laviolette. Special teams are inept which doesn’t completely fall on him but still is an issue. Heck, North Dakota didn’t win a championship until after he left.
Could Vegas pull off getting Karlsson and Tavares if they aren’t forced to take on Bobby Ryan?
What’s up with the Canes? Not one ELC to date. Also, with McKeown, Zykov, Foegele, and possibly Fleury being assigned to Charlotte for the Calder Cup playoffs, what do you think the chances are of them going all the way?
NYR have four RFA forwards in Hayes, Namestnikov, Spooner and Vesey. Who do you think they sign long term and do you see them trading any of them? Thanks.
Who could be the bruins next goalie do they have someone for the future or will it be time to draft one I know they have the guy down with the baby b’s but he’s not a #1 in the nhl
which teams do you see as best fits for kovalchuk?
I say Chicago or LA but it all depends on how much money will he take to get the cup
A dark horse would be Tampa
He wants to leave the team that is the best fit, which I suppose reflects to some degree on the level of his intelligence.
Last year Kovy was talking about coming back and wanting to play in New York or Florida but now he seems more interested in a contender, which eliminates New York.
The Rangers are committed to a re-build and you don’t accomplish that by chasing after 35 year olds who have been out of the league for a few seasons.
depends. if Kovi was to sign a 1 or 2 year deal with no NTC than he could be a nice trade chip if he performs. a good player on a bad team sometimes looks like a great player and could attract more.
though all that being said, id rather go after JVR who is younger and will likely command a smaller salary (but a few more years)
I agree that Kovy to the Rangers makes little sense. Unless he brings Rykov and Shesty with him I’m not interested. No on JVR as well. I’d wait a couple of years to see which prospects are working out and where the biggest holes remain before going after any big UFAs.
I agree with you Walter that showing patience with the prospects now acquired could reap some excellent rewards in a few years. Ranger fans are notorious for having little patience though so management may be forced into signing some UFAs to pacify the critics.
what are your thoughts on the new draft lottery odds. they seem to be completely made up. #4 in standings has chances decreased more than #6, number 5 has same chance as last year and somehow #8 increases their odds???
I feel pretty comfortable predicting that in a couple of years they will have the lottery procedure even more complex than the one for filing income tax.
Does one or two of James Neal, David Perron, and Ryan Reaves stay in Vegas long term?
Hurricanes GM? What the heck is going on with it? Also, and chance Tavares comes to Raleigh this summer? They’ve got the owner with deep pockets….
Vegas has been the big success story for the NHL this year but getting less attention is their series of outdoor games which has also caught the interest of fans. What is the plan for expanding on that series?