The round-robin and qualification round is over and the real playoffs begin tomorrow in the NHL. Things got spicy over the last week, with upsets and comebacks galore. The draft lottery is tonight, where one of the eliminated teams will get the chance to grab the first-overall pick as a consolation prize. With 15 teams now watching from the (perhaps virtual) golf course, it’s time to run another PHR mailbag.
Our last mailbag was split into two parts, which you can read here and here. In the first, Brian tackled questions such as Jack Eichel’s future in Buffalo and Lindy Ruff’s new coaching gig. The second focused on team finances and the top NHL draft prospects.
You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter or by leaving a comment down below with the mailbag running on the weekend.
cup favorite as things now stand?
The Canes now pick 15th thanks to the Marleau trade. Do they trade that for an established guy? Gotta figure Justin Williams will retire and will need to be replaced.
With the Rangers winning the Draft Lottery, what does the near and long term future look like for the team?
Now that the Rangers have locked up the #1 pick, do they take Lafreniere, trade the pick, or take the top center on the board?
With the number 1 pick the rangers look set at left wing for next few years do they look to accelerate the rebuild next season by trading for a 1st line dman to play with trouba and a quality centre to play 2nd line if Strome leaves or wait 12 months until hanks contract is up and salary cap is looking better for them and then go for it?
What are the chances that Lundqvist hangs up his skates? Love the guy,but can’t see him happy being #3 goalie on the Rangers.
Could anything be more idiotic than having teams play 3 or more OT periods in early playoff rounds? One OT period followed by a shootout should be the format for every round with the exception of the championship finals.
Does Ottawa use their cap space to bring in other teams RFA’s or do they just look to bring in bad contracts with assets attached? What could some targets be for these scenarios?
If Petro doesn’t resign with the Blues who do see being the next captain? Or do you think they would role with 3 assistant captains?
Which of these UFA/RFAs do you expect to be with their current team next year?
1) Anthony Cirelli
2) Sam Reinhart
3) Taylor Hall
4) Max Domi
5) Tyler Toffoli
Who should the Rangers be targeting for a 2nd line center?
If Henrik decides to stay, what might Georgie bring back in a trade?