The holiday season is over and the NHL is right back to the grind. Some teams are just counting the days until the draft lottery, while others are making travel plans for the playoffs. Several, including many that are still on the postseason bubble, will have to take a hard look at their roster over the next few weeks to decide whether to add or subtract at the trade deadline.
With that in mind, it’s time to run our first mailbag of 2020. You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter or by leaving a comment down below. Make sure you get your questions in early and we’ll try to get through as many as possible when the mailbag runs on the weekend.
If you missed our last edition before the Christmas break, it was split into two parts (here and here). In the first, Brian tackled questions regarding Robin Lehner’s future in Chicago, Detroit’s tank-a-thon season, and some New York trade targets. In the second, Alex Pietrangelo was a subject of conversation, along with predictions on how the Metropolitan Division will shake out when all is said and done.
Fans clamoring for anything positive in Buffalo and hearing Botterill actively seeking trade. Anything, please, anything? How warm is seat getting under Botterill
is this the year Marc Bergevin finally make a good trade instead of 4th liners or washed up players
As a Devils fan and a big fan of Kyle Palmieri … how much longer can I expect him to be in New Jersey … if he’s dealt where can I expect him to go and what kind of return might I see?
Lou Lamoriello is known for being the wise GM and aggressive when needbe but it is getting evident that he knows the AHL Soundtiger affiliate is not ripe with forward talent and with the Pelech injury does not want to deal D out of the system. Knowing this, with the major offensive struggles the Isles have had recently do you see him making a trade or will he be content to ride the wave with his current cast and just wait until the Summer to try and get the offensive help needed when certain salaries come off the books?
How do the Rangers resolve Kreider’s pending free agency, Lias Andersson’s request out, and their situation in goal?
Vegas is obviously a Cup contender, but what kind of move can they make to put themselves in the best position possible?
With the Rangers promoting Igor Shesterkin, could they be seriously considering trading Georgy? They need to get a good return to make that deal.
With the Red Wings this bad wouldn’t it be something to look at by trading Larkin, Mantha, and AA for as many prospects and picks they can?
What do nashville see in John hynes? Done little in nj apart from one season when Taylor Hall was outstanding. I understand nashville wanting different voice behind the bench but seems odd move
Who improved their draft stock the most at the WJC?
How would you rate the 2020 draft in terms of high end prospects?
With the Habs already out of a playoff spot in early January, is Bergevin gonna be fired if they miss the playoffs once again this year ? I do not see them getting back into the playoff portrait will all the injuries and they should be sellers at the deadline (Petry, Tatar ?)
With Colorado now losing 5 of 7 coming out of the Christmas break, what do you see them doing to shore up the team heading into the second half and playoffs?
Will the Yotes do anything else to shore up their offense?
With so many teams falling out of playoff spots and looking towards next year and recent draft picks to improve their teams, what are the various options on call ups? What are the differences for players from the WHL vs QMJHL, etc? Next season, can those players go to the AHL if they get a sneak peak this year or are they limited to minors or NHL only? I’ve heard various answers.
Bruins are still looking for a 2nd line with punch. Do they continue their never ending search for a RW for Krecji or do they try to make a new 2nd line with Coyle/DeBrusk and someone else.
Do you think the Sabres have any chance at the playoffs?? If not, whom should they deal at the deadline to get ready for next year once again???
Who’s been the biggest disappointment so far this year in your estimation? San Jose, Nashville – someone else?
What about surprise? Arizona, Edmonton or a write in?
Red Wings land the #1 pick who in your eyes is the best pick for a franchise that desperately needs a new franchise player?
What would a Carey Price or Shea Weber trade look like for Montreal? From a salary/long term strategy standpoint, who would be better to trade?