It has been a busy offseason so far for many NHL teams, punctuated by one of the bigger trades we’ve seen in a while which occurred over the weekend. Meanwhile, there are a handful of notable names still unsigned so there’s some hope that there could be more activity to come before training camps get underway in about six weeks.
With that in mind, it’s a good time to run our next mailbag. Our last one ran in three parts. The first segment looked back at the draft, what should be expected from the Flyers next season, and the Kings’ aggression in recent years. The second discussed Boston’s center situation, Robby Fabbri’s future with Detroit, and expectations for Columbus in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the third one examined the recent inactivity from Calgary and Winnipeg with some of their veterans, Ty Smith’s first season with Pittsburgh, and big names that could be on the move next.
You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter or by leaving a comment down below. The mailbag will run on the weekend.
How will the Bruins fare this year? The reigning Presidents Trophy winners are returning with virtually the same defense and goaltending as last year but lost almost a third of their offense due to the departures of Bergeron, Krejci, Hall, Bertuzzi, etc
How do teams see the goalie situation right now? We’ve seen the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup with Hill, Brossoit and Thompson. Panthers also relied on 3 different goalies in different stages of the season, reaching the Finals.
Are teams trying to re-create a 3-goalie-situation on purpose now? How does a #3 goalkeeper stay match ready if he is not waivers exempt? Do teams need “timely” injuries to make a 3 goalie rotation work? And what teams could go for a 3 goalie rotation this season?
What do you think of the Sharks’ roster after the Karlsson trade, and their future roadmap now that his salary is (mostly) clear.
Heh, it’s time for my annual question now: who’s the guy who comes from out of nowhere to be a serious impact player this season?
Pat Falloon comes out of retirement and leads the league with 160 pts.
Ol’ Fat Balloon, eh? That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.
And Mike Rathje comes back and replaces Karlsson’s production.
Good moring! I am curious about the Flames this year… My gut feeling is that both Lindholm and Backlund will re-sign. My other gut feeling is that Hanifin will be traded. I am thinking a one-for-one for Carolina’s Pesce. Thoughts?
I am also not sold on a bounce back season from Markstrom. Sure, his stats do demonstrate that he did come back from a bad season before, but I’m still not sold. Markstrom, so Iˋd ship him to WGP for Helleybuck. Problem is that we are light on 1st rounders. So Markstrom, 2025 2nd & prospect Zary for Helleybuck. Thoughts?
Thanks!
If Helly has stated he won’t sign back in Winnipeg, why would he sign in Calgary? And you are willing to give up that much for a 1 year rental in a season many expect the flames to miss the playoffs or barely squeak in and be quickly dismissed.
The Capitals may have got the steal of the draft in #40 pick Andrew Cristall. And I’ll guess that he plays in the NHL sooner, rather than later. The reason why is because, at the start of the 2024-25 season he’ll be 19, too young for the AHL, but probably too good for the WHL. So he’s a Cap then. Thoughts?
With the whole ordeal with Fedotov I was wondering what powers the IIHF has in this dispute and any future disputes between the NHL and KHL until an agreement between the leagues is made again
Honest evaluation of PLD’s chances providing any surplus value on his extension please.
Wondering about your perspective on the top few value trades from the past season now with some hindsight. I’m talking about outperforming their cost – irrespective of their teams place in the standings (so not the traditional thing where we look at who helped their team win the cup). Which team made out with great value in the margins?
How do you see the Central shaking out? I think Colorado and Dallas are clear front runners, Arizona and Chicago bring up the rear, and the other four will battle it out in the middle. Not sure who has the advantage between the Blues, Wild, Preds and Jets.
The Stars win the Stanley cup this year. Am I right or am I right? I think Johnston gets 35 goals easily. The have a lot of good young talent that should be ready for a role on the team
I’ll agree with that. The Stars are stacked up front, and have a franchise goalie, who is only getting better. They’ll need to shore up their defense at the deadline, but it’s all in now.
Who are the watch candidates in 2024 draft for Flyers since it appears likely another rough season with a potential top-5 pick as well the 1st round pick from Florida and 2nd round picks from Columbus and LA. Celebrini seems headed towards #1, who could be other options? Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train.
How do you think vegas will do this season? Is Adin Hill able to carry his success from last years playoffs into this season and be able to perform like a number 1?
Thoughts on what impact Babcock can have on the blue jackets? They have a new D group, and some talented players, with a good system could they be in the wildcard conversation this year? Or next?
Have you ever watched the movie “Over The Top” starring Stallone as an arm wrestling truck driver? If so what did you think of it?
is Benn good for a point per game this year? ever think we’ll get Seguin back to his old self? it’s been years since he’s been any good and when centering his own line it never produces
I know the Cap only went up about 1 million this year. I also keep hearing the Cap is going to rise quite a bit in the near future according to the owners. About how much are they saying it’s supposed to go up and when? I think it’s time Hockey joined the ranks of other Pro sports. I just want to know what they’re saying, So I’ll know just how much I’ll be disappointed when it doesn’t happen. Thanks!
Which team(s) summer moves have you scratching your head? What do you think those moves suggest about what that team is hoping or expecting to happen? Is there anything they could do on the market that would inspire more confidence?