JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 02-13-20

PHR Live Chat: 02-13-20

Gavin Lee

6:05

Hello! Welcome to another chat. I'll let some things come in and then get started in a few minutes

Mik

6:13

Anyt heating up on the VGK trade front?

Gavin Lee

6:13

Nothing new at this point that I've seen, other than keeping their eyes on the defense market.

6:14

I imagine they'll add at some point, but this recent skid doesn't make spending big all that appealing.

JStine

6:14

Feels like the Blues are going to make a move at the deadline, but not sure I buy them being in on guys that are high-end rentals that will cost a major package. Any more under-the-radar players that could be available that you could see being a good fit with the defending champs?

Gavin Lee

6:17

I'd be shocked if they didn't make a move of some sort, but you're right it might not necessarily be the big names. I wonder if a guy like Pavel Buchnevich could be of interest, if the Kreider sweepstakes take an expensive turn (or he re-signs).

There are also Andreas Athanasiou, who would give them a different look. But I'm still very unclear on where his trade value sits at the moment.

Larry Abrahm

6:18

Hey Gavin Lee what will the caps do at the trade deadline

Gavin Lee

6:18

Hey Larry Abrahm. Honestly, probably not a whole lot.

I'd imagine they make a minor add on the back end, but other than that I don't think you'll see any huge moves.

Bruins2020

6:18

What winger do you think Bs pick up

Burtgummer

6:18

Who will be joining the Bruins ?

Gavin Lee

6:19

Whoops, sorry I'll answer the Maple Leafs question in a minute.

I still think Toffoli is probably the best fit for the Bruins, given the equation of handedness, style and price.

But I'm becoming a little more convinced that they might be after a player with some term instead.

6:20

Who that will be? I don't know

As for the Maple Leafs' backup situation (question was deleted), yes Campbell has fixed that issue.

Doesn't solve the problem they'll face down the road for a starter, but for now that position is solidified.

jim

6:21

Would you trade Crawford or Lehner before the deadline?

Gavin Lee

6:21

I would try, sure. But I've said many times that goalie rentals don't bring back very much.

6:22

The return for Lehner probably doesn't match the value of another few months to negotiate with him.

I think they should sign him to a multi-year deal.

bill

6:22

Andy Strickland said that there are teams interested in Backes, other than the B's sending the likes of a 1st rounder with him or retaining a huge portion of salary with roster players or prospects, can you see any other creative ways of getting him out of Boston? They do need to add, a 2nd or 3rd line winger and some grit on D. to improve their chances of even getting by the top teams in the east.

Gavin Lee

6:22

I saw that too. They would have to pay to get rid of Backes' contract as you say, but that could potentially be acceptable to another team.

6:23

He can be bought out in the summer because he's healthy--similar to the Patrick Marleau situation in Toronto/Carolina.

I think it's still more likely to be resolved in the summer however, because of how complicated it would have to be

Mike

6:24

Love this chat. Any update on nolan patrick?

Gavin Lee

6:25

Patrick has skated with the team in four (I think) straight practices. He's coming, even if there is still no real definite timeline

And I'm very happy for him, given the rough start to his career.

Ron Duguay

6:26

Hey, Gavin. When do you expect the next deal or two to occur?

Gavin Lee

6:26

Things usually really start kicking off a week before the deadline.

The Maple Leafs are one to watch after tomorrow, because they will get news on Morgan Rielly.

Mike

6:26

Assuming the devils move players out, do you see ty smith starting next year on the nhl roster? Upside?

Gavin Lee

6:27

You know I was very up on Smith before this season, but I've cooled considerably. I haven't really seen any improvement yet, and he'll still need to take steps in order to be a full-time NHLer.

6:28

Now don't get me wrong, that could certainly happen by training camp and there will be a path to the NHL put in front of him

But I no longer think it's a guarantee he's there on opening night, or turn into that rock-solid top-3 guy I thought he was.

I hope he does, to be clear. But sometimes the CHL doesn't push a player enough

6:29

The same thing happened to Jakob Chychrun, and he's turned out just fine

John

6:29

Any revised mock draft for the Upcoming draft? Top 5?

Gavin Lee

6:30

Lafreniere, Stuetzle, Byfield, Holtz, Drysdale