The calendar has turned to June and only two teams remain in the playoffs, Carolina and Vegas. Beyond them, everyone else is in full offseason planning mode. The draft is less than four weeks away and free agency right on the horizon after that. With that in mind, it’s a good time to open up the mailbag once again.
Our last call for questions yielded enough queries to fill three columns. Topics in the first included the Draft Lottery, possible fits for a Connor Hellebuyck trade, and impressive late-season rookie performances. In the second, there were questions about Winnipeg’s second-line center situation, Chicago’s goaltending situation, and the President’s Trophy ‘curse’. Meanwhile, in the third, topics included an ideal offseason for the Rangers, a Robert Thomas to Detroit trade scenario, and trying to find data to support the challenges presented offensively for teams in back-to-back games.
You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter/X or by leaving a comment down below. The mailbag will run on the weekend.
Do you think Mavrik Bourque would sign an offer sheet in the $4m-range requiring a 2nd round pick as compensation? And if not, would he be worth making a $7m offer (assuming you have the cap space)?
I like this question and hope it gets picked. IMO, based on his projected offer sheet salary & the compensation picks associated with his signing, and the fact he’s a center, Mavrik Bourque was the one player where an offer sheet seemed to be the most enticing. As a Flyers fan I think he would fit in nicely on the team, but I am sure many other teams feel the same. My only follow up question is might we see the first “Offer Sheet” war with Bourque? LOL.
Are there any plans to cover PWHL hockey alongside pro men’s hockey? I ask because the league really seems to be popping off, and lots of diehard hockey fans up here in SW Ontario are singing praise about the speed and competition of the league. I’d love to see both leagues covered – not equally, at least not right now, but even 10% of coverage dedicated to reporting the P would be awesome.
At this point, I don’t believe there are plans on that front.
so Kent hughe decides to attack the Leafs, hmm what has his teams ever won?? he hasn’t won anything its been 5 years his team made the ECF, but didn’t show up in ECF but he has something to say? Keep in mind all fot eh east had a shift NY was out Islanders were out Leafs out Buffalo in. Not a year to attack other teams. didn’t they “own” the Canes in the regular season??
Attack the Leaves? Are you kidding?
Could the Kings offseason possibly look like what they did at the trade deadline? One big move, a couple small buys and a couple soft sells?
How do feel the Lightnings Prospect pool ranks?
Now that the Sabres have broken the playoff curse and look like a solid playoff contender going forward what should be the biggest priority in the off-season? I believe signing Tuch is a must and getting Benson signed to a deal is also a priority. Who do you think could be moved to add some cap space or to acquire another top 6 or 9 forward?
What would your opinion be on a Sharks Rangers trade where the Sharks would receive the 5th overall pick, the 26th overall pick, and Braden Schneider while the Rangers would receive the 2nd overall pick. I think this trade would make sense for both teams. From the sharks perspective they are getting an NHL ready defensive prospect (true that he has regressed but he still has that potential if developed correctly) plus moving back 3 spaces which might still give the the defenseman that they want. Plus they get the 26th overall pick. For the Rangers it makes sense because they need a franchise type of player and I’m not sure if they’re finding that at number 5 and would want to move up to 2 to draft Stenberg. This is my opinion and I would like to know yours. Thank you!
From Frustrated CBJ Fan,
Is there actually going to be 1 UFA this summer that could make a difference to any non-playoff team this coming season? If Charlie Coyle was the #1 UFA Center/Offensive player on the board before he signed, that speaks volumes about the weakness of the UFA class this year.
Do the Blues make a trade to move in the draft or do think they’ll stay put at 11, 15, and 29?
I know they were rumored to be interested in San Jose’s 2nd overall pick, and assuming they would potentially make that deal what do you see heading SJ’s way outside of the 11th or 15th overall pick?
The Kraken were willing to give 34 year old Panarin 14mil a year for 4 years before they lost out to LA, do you think they’re an overwhelming favorite to go after Tuch, and what percentage would you give them that he’s in Seattle?
What / who do you expect to be the biggest value asset traded this summer (pick, player, signing rights)?
What teams do you expect to be the most active (in actual moves not just kicking tires)?
The Habs needs more size in their bottom six, 2nd line C, upgrade on the right side D. What would be some realistic targets via trade or offer-sheet, and what would the cost be for each need? Thanks!
For Toronto’s Matthew Nies and their #1 ’26 pick, Kyle Davidson should offer Chicago’s (2) ’27 #1 picks , Frank Nazar, Sacha Boisvert, Artyum Levshunev, and Kuchinski’s signing rights . I also believe Mikheyev should get a 3 year contract.
For a mailbag or even a separate post…how did the NHL handle the transition to a hard salary cap in 2005 (compliance buy-outs, etc.)? This will be a helpful reference for the baseball side as commenters there argue about the upcoming MLB CBA negotiations.
I wanted to ask about the Wild’s goaltending situation when it appeared Gustaffson and Wallstedt were both healthy bc Hlavaj looked very good in the Olympics and the Wild were keen on a few costly moves. I was gonna ask what you think Gustaffson would fetch, but I guess now I’m wondering if they’re gonna “show their hand” more with Hlavaj by needing someone to pair with Wallstedt, and if you think they’ll get less of a return bc other GMs will become more acutely aware that Guerin is trying to sell from a surplus rather than negotiate from a more “even” pool? Or am I just way over-valuing Hlavaj based on my Olympic viewing, or as some might suggest, under-estimating the stupidity of 50+% of the league’s GMs?
Will Dylan Larkin requesting a trade affect the rangers on trading Vincent Trocheck and trying to maximize on a deal in a negative way?
Where does Larkin go and will his leaving spark a retool with more Detroit vets being traded. I don’t see Kane coming back either, now.
Simply, who makes the deal for Larkin?
If the top 3 Fs are taken before the 4th pick in the 2026 draft, would Chicago possibly be better off moving down a few slots and getting another pick ? They still could get a highly rated d man plus an extra asset. Why/how is trading up and getting overcharged a better approach ? Thanks
Who do you believe Tampa might consider targeting in the UFA and/or RFA markets? I was thinking they could pursue someone like Mason Marchment to add a power forward element to their lineup, which is currently missing. Alternatively, they might explore submitting an offer sheet for a promising young talent like Mavrik Bourque.
Do the Blues make any moves this summer? Binnington and Kyrou are talked about a lot, but what kind of package would they get back?
2nd – Why would the Blues trade Parayko as they have no defensemen ready to take his place?
I’d have no issues with moving on from Binner and Kyrou. Get draft choices for them to stock the farm. Find someone to take Drouin off their hands and resign Dube. I hope they keep all 3 of their 1st rounders this year too…I’d go D, C and G in that order.
I think the NHL, AHL, and ECHL have a unique opportunity to create a unique fan friendly event. Whenever the NHL shuts down for the different tournaments, they could have their minor league teams play a weekend slate of games in the NHL arena. Gives the big club a chance to get a closer look at their youth and the fans to see the kids. Some of the players will never see a game in the NHL and this would possibly give them the thrill of their career to play in front of a large crowd. I can’t see any negatives for anyone in creating an event like this.