JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 3/26/25

PHR Live Chat: 3/26/25

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Josh Erickson

2:46

Sure seems like it: https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/02/24/blackhawks-prospect...

Lee

2:46

Congrats on your pre-season prediction of the Red Wings regressing! This team is a mess; too many of the same type of non-scoring wingers, porous defense, terrible pk. When the waiver wire moves open up, perhaps putting Yzerman on waivers? Your thoughts on where this team is headed...thanks.

Josh Erickson

2:49

Haha, thanks. Despite the regression in record, I think the bones of the roster are stronger than they were a year ago. Their possession game has taken a big step under McLellan. It's not perfect, but noticeably improved and the statistics reflect that. I like that hire. I know the goaltending numbers aren't pretty, but this team still bleeds high-danger chances and doesn't convert on enough of their own. It's a shame Jakob Chychrun is off the market, I thought he'd be a great fit there. Gotta pursue major improvements on the blue line this summer. That should trickle down to the rest of the roster. I would expect a Tarasenko trade/buyout to help facilitate that, plus a needle-moving forward addition. I don't think they're as far off as they were a year ago, but imagine how much better shape they'd be in if they still had Jake Walman!!

82ndTrooper

2:50

next year, Burns and Orlov replaced. With Morrow and Nikishin?

Josh Erickson

2:51

Nikishin, yes. Counting on Scott Morrow to take on 18+ minutes a game out of the gate may be a bit overzealous. I'm not saying he can't do it, but I imagine they pursue an insurance option.

Ovie

2:51

Am I playing meaningful games with Ryan Leonard this year?

Josh Erickson

2:53

If BC makes the championship game, Leonard can only realistically play in the final two regular season games. Is that enough of an acclimation period to warrant inserting him in the lineup over someone like Beauvillier, Mangiapane, or Raddysh? This is a well-oiled machine that Carbery is understandably hesitant to disrupt. All I'm saying – if he doesn't play, don't take that as the organization being conservative about how they view him as a player. It's tough to add someone to the room this late in the year.

RFA hunter

2:53

Broberg and Holloway are slam dunk winners for STL. I imagine every team will try to copy. Who is the most enticing RFA to go after if you have the picks to spare?

Josh Erickson

2:56

If someone goes north of $8MM annually for Matthew Knies, Toronto has to think about letting him walk. Love the kid. He's on pace for 57 points and shooting over 20% (unsustainable). Is that what that type of money is worth now? That would net Toronto a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd. If someone goes over $9.1MM,

*~$9.1MM, that nets an additional first and is a no-brainer not to match.

Chycrun's wake

2:56

So if I am here for next 8 years. And I have Rasmus Sandin and Martin Fehavary... where and when does Cole Hutson slot in?

Josh Erickson

2:59

Fehervary is signed through next season. I imagine they bridge him in 2026, one- or two-year extension to let him walk to UFA early on in his era of peak earning potential. I imagine Cole Hutson turns pro in 2026. Remember, Chychrun has extensive experience playing on his off side, so that's an option to allow Hutson on the left with Fehervary and Sandin if Martin isn't moved by then.

Bryan

2:59

Can you predict Nikolaj Ehlers’ next contract? Where will he play next season? Can the Jets afford to lose him?

Josh Erickson

3:01

He's pushed himself to the $8MM range annually – and if Marner re-signs, I wouldn't be surprised if someone even gives him $9MM on the open market to fill a need. $8MM would be 8.4% of the salary cap, and Winnipeg gave him 7.6% eight years ago. I imagine they match any offer if Ehlers wants to stay.

That's the top of the hour folks, so that'll be all for today. Thanks for all the great questions. Same time next week!

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