With trade season in the rearview mirror, all the focus now is on playoff positioning and the occasional college free-agent signing. It’s the time of year that’s exciting for some and a slog for others, namely at the bottom of the standings. With the regular season wrapping up, though, it’s time for the next edition of the #PHRMailbag as the playoffs (or offseason for the unlucky teams) swing into view.
Our last mailbag focused on all the non-deadline-related questions that came in during what was a busy trade period.
You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter or by leaving a comment down below. The mailbag will run on the weekend.
Why hasn’t the Wild brought Rossi back up? They could use scoring and are always searching for centers
Because rossi is doing well in Iowa and did you see how many goals the wild got over the weekend? They had 17 in the first 3 games without kaprizov lol!
when will kevin fiala and sean durzi be back playing for the kings? will there be enough time for them to get games in?
Any chance Bedard or any draft picks mind you…says no to the Coyotes (like Lindros did with Philly) and demands a trade?
Lindros refused to play for the Quebec Nordiques
Yeah, but we all know what he meant right?
Right. That’s what I was thinking!
So far I like what Army has done with acquiring assets and the pick ups of Vrana and Kapanen. I still believe he has to clear some cap space. Do you think Krug is the one to go assuming he’d waive his NMC? Would Parayko? Both? Binnington has become more of liability and is a head case. I’ve heard he would only waive in order to go to Toronto, but that doesn’t seem a likely option.
What will the Penguins roster look like next year ?
I know you don’t own a crystal ball, but what do you think are the chances the following three centers who will be on expiring contracts next year get traded before the end of next year or hit the open market next summer.
1. Elias Lindholm. Calgary may not want to head toward a rebuild, especially with that awful Huberdeau contract, but if they struggle to compete, it may make sense to move him.
2. Auston Matthews. The Leafs have until July 1st to extend him or his no movement clause kicks in and it will be harder to move him if he isn’t willing to pursue and extension. When he does sign, it will be the largest deal ever and the Leafs are also faced with trying to keep Nylander, who will also be on an expiring contract. Some think Matthews wants to go to Arizona, but if they can’t pass the vote to build a new arena, that won’t be a wise move. In that instance, L.A. becomes the favorite
3. Anze Kopitar- Kopitar still plays at a high level, but with the Kings locked in to Danault for 3 more years and their probable desire to sign Roy, Kempe, Byfield and Lizotte to extensions, Kopitar could become an odd man out, especially if Matthews were to land in L.A.
speaking of centers. Do you think the Red Wings will look to ADD a bonified #1 center ? I think Yzerman OVER-PAID big time on Larkin as he is NOT a #1 center and can not drive a team as all the homers here in Detroit think. He is the best player on a average at best team. They need goal scorers !
Dear Crystal Ball: please provide the fortunes for Nick Roberston, Alex Holtz, Luke Hughes & UPL. BONUS BOUNTY: who are the Final 4 & who wins the Stanly Cup. Kind regards.
Inspired by the questions regarding Binnington and Matthews:
How is Toronto looking if they don’t give a new contract to their GM this off-season? Selling off hugely for a new start? Or will they still try to find a way to be a contender next season?
He has a new deal or they wouldn’t have let him make any moves
There was a lot of chatter about the three team trades and some GMs feeling like they got screwed by the League, but no details. For example, the rumor was that Team1 submitted the paperwork, Team 2 (in the middle) said no, that is not what was agreed to and the League said too bad. I want to know who it/they were and the details of the story.How can the League just say, you get what you get.
The Anaheim Ducks are mired in Multi-season “rebuild”. Frankly they are difficult to watch. Their offensive efforts are seemingly limited to the dump and chase as they cannot skate or pass the puck into the offensive zone. They play an awful zone defense that often leaves a defender open in the slot. While they have flashes of skilled play, it is mostly haphazard play without speed or organization.
They have “core” of good skill players – who don’t work together.
My question is whether it is time for a coaching change. I cannot fathom how they can play this badly. They look like a rudderless ship meandering through the rink.
So they look like Oilers when Dallas Eakins was in charge there?
With all the controversy about Christian or Muslim players sitting out the Pride jersey days, how would the LBGT+ community respond if there was a religion pride day, and would it be as controversial? No dog in this fight, everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and hearts content. But it seems some guys are being beaten down for their stances. Would it be the same if mirrors were flipped?
Zero belief this Q will be answered, but it opens up some conversation. Albeit maybe one that PHR higher ups wish not to be discussed openly on their forum.
Hopefully one that can be treated respectfully and responsibly.
… because religion in this culture is so put upon and discriminated against that a “religion pride day” could conceivably be needful? Seriously?
You think someone like Kadri or Jahjair khaira havn’t heard a word of discrimination on ice due to their religious beliefs? Any less so than Prokop? If so, you are ignorant to the opposite side?
Not saying it should or could happen. but due to the recent actions, could it happen?
When will the next 1st overall goalie be drafted?
About the time an NFL team takes a kicker first overall.
I know I ask this almost every time, but after Chuck being fired and what people are the top have said are the Flyers finally going to do the proper rebuild they need?
*at the top are saying
Say the Flyers remove interim tag from Briere, and name you Pres. of Ops…following Torts comments that subtraction is needed before addition, who you keeping/cutting amongst these:
Keepers: Coots, Laughton, Konecny, Tippett, Ersson, Frost, Foerster, Noah Cates, York, Seeler
Available for the right Deal: Frost, Hart, Provy, Farabee, Risto, DeAngelo
Time to Move on: JVR, Hayes, Bellows, Braun
On the Fence: Sanheim, Allinson,
Obvious caveat that some of these contracts are going to be hard to move….
1). Who do you predict will be the 4 wild card teams?
2). Which one of those 4 teams can make some “noise” in the playoffs?
3). Who, if anyone, can knock the Bruins out of the playoffs?