In a week filled with trade rumors, coach firings, and more, there was still time for the PHR staff to put together some original content. Here is a look at some recent articles:
The “What Your Team Is Thankful For” series continued this holiday season with looks at Columbus, Dallas, and Detroit. While it wouldn’t seem like there is much to be thankful for in Detroit this year, Holger Stolzenberg writes that fans of the dead-last Red Wings should be looking toward the future with excitement at what GM Steve Yzerman may be able to build with the team’s young forward core, deep prospect pipeline, and a strong chance at the top overall pick this year. The Blue Jackets are struggling as well and don’t have those same strengths in picks and prospects after going all-in last year and certainly aren’t grateful that all of their big free agents departed this summer. However, Gavin Lee believes that Columbus fans should give thanks for the solid young players still on the roster. With that said, he admits that the team could use some draft lottery luck to add the young superstar forward that they have been missing. The mysterious Jim Montgomery scandal aside, things are going great in Dallas. The team has turned their slow start around and look like the contender many thought they would be. Much of their success has resulted from strong play in net and on the blue line, and Brian La Rose notes that improved scoring up front is certainly on the team’s wish list.
College hockey players will be thankful for some time off after final exams, as a break in play has already begun for many teams. In the latest edition of “College Hockey Round-Up“, I looked at some of the key recent results around the NCAA. This included collapses from early-season darlings like Notre Dame, Harvard, and Wisconsin and continued excellence from the likes of Minnesota State, North Dakota, and Cornell. While college teams will not be very active for the next few weeks, many of their players will stay busy with the World Junior Championship right around the corner. Team USA in particular is loaded with NCAA talent, with 22 players on their initial roster, including seven NHL first-round picks.
There will soon be a short holiday break for the pros as well, and with the accompanying trade freeze forthcoming, Brian examined the backup goalie market. There are more than a few teams seeking help in net, including the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens, whose Atlantic Division playoff race could hinge on who can find an upgrade at backup. Brian lists Ottawa Senators veterans Craig Anderson as a top option, as well as a number of young netminders not receiving the opportunity they deserve on their current teams.
Brian also fielded reader questions in his weekly mailbag. With the biggest story in hockey right now being the trade status of New Jersey Devils star Taylor Hall, Brian discussed the likelihood that he stays in New Jersey, as well as the most likely landing sports if he does not. He also answered questions pertaining to the contract situations of Robin Lehner, Ilya Kovalchuk, and the New York Rangers’ impending RFA’s.
Gavin also hosted his own regular segment, his Thursday afternoon chat. Topics included the rebuild situations in Detroit and New Jersey the league’s best goalies and tandems, the year one potential of the Seattle expansion team, and, of course, speculation over Taylor Hall.
Catch up with any of this original material that you may have missed and keep an eye out for more content from the PHR staff this week and beyond!