As expected, the draft and free agency brought about plenty of activity across the NHL with over 200 prospects being drafted and nearly that many contracts handed out over the past two weeks. With that in mind, it’s a good time to open up the mailbag.
Our last mailbag came before the draft and was broken into three segments. The first looked at the likelihood of a Linus Ullmark trade (which came to fruition soon after), Jacob Trouba’s future with the Rangers, and a look back at the Matthew Tkachuk trade, among other topics. Included in the second were several draft questions along with trying to find a possible landing spot for Trevor Zegras should the Ducks move him. Meanwhile, the third included some discussion about Colorado’s potential offseason, Philadelphia’s prospect pool, and the NHL-CHL player transfer agreement.
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.
What are the odds Vegas trades from their blue line depth for a top 6 winger? Who could they target?
The assumption is that Stamkos will play on the wing in Nashville because he’s played in that position recently with Tampa, but is there any good reason why he couldn’t switch back to center, which is where the need is on the 2nd line?
hayton for Liljegren and a 5th, who says no?
Could the red wings have had a worse offseason and the worst most confusing trade to start a year? Why do we have 20 goalies
Will the Flyers bring in a true top center to pair with Michkov? Are they putting their trust in either Couts or Frost? Or are they going to make a trade to find someone?
As Travis Konecny enters the final year of his contract, what are the comparable contracts if the Flyers try to resign him or what might be a reasonable return if a trade is a better option for the rebuild?
How important is Developmental Camp and scrimmages?
With most of the UFAs signed already, is this going to be a very boring offseason? Or do you foresee any big trades or otherwise coming between now and training camp?
If the stars by our choice or not start casting off veterans, do we still have enough young talent to stay competitive for the cup?
There is a strong belief that Tampa will make a move to bring in someone through trade to fill the hole (left by Stamkos) on the second line with Cirelli & Hagel but who do you feel they’ll target in making a move for as Cam Atkinson appears to be more third line territory than second line?… Also is there a possibility that blue-chip prospects Conor Geekie or Ethan Gauthier make the team this year?
What do you think of the rangers offseason moves?
Everybody is trying to make a big deal about Nick Foligno talking to Tyler Bertuzzi on the phone and calling it tampering. Since they’re from the same town and seem to be friends so what? I mean players talk to each other. It’s been going on in Basketball for years and nobody bats an eye. Isn’t there some sort of ” Legal communication” period before FA anyway? Bertuzzi wasn’t going back where he was because of the Cap so what is the real story?
Back before Hartford relocated, there was a summer Pro-Am league at a rink just south of Springfield. A good many pros played in it, including natives of western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, as well as some Whalers players. I can’t imagine there wasn’t locker room chat.
I thought Kyle Davidson did a great job in Free Agency even if most of the so called” Hockey Experts” don’t seem to agree with me. That is up until the TJ Brodie signing. One I didn’t understand the signing because he wasn’t very good last year and two I didn’t get the 2 years. Was there that big a market for him that they had to add a second year to get him? I mean the money isn’t a problem because the Hawks have tons of it but it just seemed a curious signing to me. Thoughts? Thanks as always.
I know I asked the same question in the chat with Josh but I’d like your opinion too. And what did you think of the Hawks Draft and FA overall? Thanks.
I heard a little rumbling that Tampa could be interested in acquiring Frank Vatrano from Anaheim. What do you think of this possibility & what would it take for Tampa to get him from Anaheim?
With what’s-his-name fumbling the Phoenix Coyotes ball, do you think the Utah Hockey Club becomes the Utah Coyotes? Or will they be their own thing?
What’s a goofy name you’d love to see them adopt?
What is a reasonable or realistic trade return for Rutger McGroarty at this point? When I first heard about thd Utah deal for Sergachev, I was excited to see that franchise making moves like that, again, but then felt disappointed the Jets couldn’t have done something similar involving McGroarty. (and one of Samberg or Heinola….likely higher draft picks) Could Calgary be a player in that way? (Weegar or Andersson) seeing as they seem to be “rebuilding” while afraid to label it such. (?)
According to Mika Zibanijad’s Instagram, he will be fully transitioned by the start of the 2025-2026 season. Will the NHL continue to let him play after he becomes Shebanejad?