JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 5/22/24

PHR Live Chat: 5/22/24

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BGDave

2:23

Preds related. I see Marner as a hard no, do you? More likely the cap space is more likely going to a heavy D like Zadorov. Thoughts?

Josh Erickson

2:23

A no from Nashville? Doubt it. They already have Schenn and Lauzon. Don't get why a physical D would be their top priority at all. They'd add a scorer – really don't have any secondary help other than Novak outside of the first line.

2:24

Marner would be discussed, I'd think Necas would be as well if he's really on the block. I could even see them making a run for Reinhart if the Panthers can't get it done, not sure how confident I am in that one though

HockeyBoz

2:24

in my opinion, this is a make or break decision for Yzerman and the Red Wings. What off-season signings to you foresee? I think they need a bonified 40+ goal scorer. Do you see any #1 centers available so you can move Larkin to a #2 ( he would be way more productive as a #2 ) ? OR, a goal scoring winger available ?

Josh Erickson

2:25

Elias Lindholm has the upside, sure. But he's also the highest-risk signing on the market considering the wild swings he's had the past few seasons offensively.

Even so, I don't think he's a tier above Larkin or anything, but he would allow for DL to get some easier matchups

2:26

So I think the winger option is more likely, and I do have the gut feeling that Yzerman is willing to spend. I'd expect them to be one of the 3-4 most competitive teams on Reinhart if he goes to market.

2:27

I think it'll take something major for Guentzel not to re-sign in Carolina, he was just such a good fit there. But him too, I guess. I think he'll be in on pretty much everybody at the top of the class – we'll see which of them he lands

Brian

2:27

Hi Josh, hopefully Valeri Nichushkin get the help he needs! But how does his contract work while he deals with the suspension? Does it not count against the cap for the 6 months? Can they buy him out?

Josh Erickson

2:28

Just to pivot back to this quickly – it does not count against the cap during his suspension, correct. But they can't buy him out while he's in the PAP.

M34

2:28

What's going to happen with Shane Pinto next year?

Josh Erickson

2:29

Dude was great for them after coming back. I don't get why it hasn't been done already with $12.2MM in space for 6-7 roster spots.

2:31

Evolving Hockey's projection is for two years at $3MM per. I'd do that in a heartbeat if I was Ottawa, although I'm not sure Pinto accepts. He was on pace for about 55 points if he'd played the whole season

He'll be a very serviceable 2C long-term.

Adam

2:31

Why is Rossi on the trading block? Seems he should be a foundational piece for the Wild

Josh Erickson

2:32

No clue. There aren't any super solid indications that he is, but there's been enough speculation that I'm thinking where there's fuel, there's fire. It's nonsensical if he gets moved. He's cheap... you can bridge deal him if you need, and he'll be putting up 60-70 points a year in short order here. Completely unforced error if they move him.

Dan

2:32

Thanks for doing these! If the hawks pick levshunov, what do the ducks do at #3? And if levshunov is available, is that their pick?

Josh Erickson

2:34

I'd guess a toss-up between Levshunov and Silayev, yeah. Wouldn't count out Lindstrom either, like I said earlier

????

2:34

Why so many conflicting reports about the Flyers Russian prospects? They want to stay/play in the KHL. They want to stay/play in the NHL. What do we believe about Kolosov and Michkov and the recent reports?

Josh Erickson

2:35

Because it's mid-May and they have nothing else to talk about, to be frank :)

There doesn't seem to be anything to Kolosov wanting to leave. Most PHI-based reporters have struck that down.

sabres3277

2:35

Do you think the Sabres will be active in free agency/trade to shore up the forward group with some scoring/physicality? I like DeBrusk and I think he could add secondary scoring and add some needed grit and physical play on the second or third line.

Josh Erickson

2:37

I get a strong feeling they'll go heavy after Stamkos if he doesn't re-sign. Wouldn't be surprised if they make another run at Kane, either. But I agree with you, DeBrusk makes a lot of sense

UncleMike1526

2:37

Josh, So you say the Hawks are locked into pick 2. I say a RH D Man makes a lot of sense. We're stuck with Jones until 2030( Thanks again Stan) So to me a guy like Leahunov or Buium makes more dense than Demidov. Leshunov is supposedly a fantastic skater and Buium is tenacious and was great on the Jr. Team that won Gold. They can go offense later. Jones is horrible on the PP and we need someone to pair with Korchinski. Leshunov makes more sense to me. Thoughts?

Josh Erickson

2:37

Drafting for positional need is always a dangerous trap. Just ask the Habs.

2:38

I really do think the talent gap between Demidov and any of the defenders is bigger than the talent gap between Demidov and Celebrini. If I'm in Chicago's position, I don't even consider passing him up.

And that's not to criticize this spectacular upper echelon of defenders, either. This is an extremely loaded top 10-15.

2:39

But you don't pass on the guy who had arguably the best season in Russian juniors history.

UncleMike1526

2:39

Has the final number for the NHL Salary Cap and floor been finalized for 24-25 yet and if so what will it be? Thanks

Josh Erickson

2:40

Yep! $87.7MM upper limit, $64.7MM lower limit

Hawks are currently about $11MM below the floor.

Cleevis smyth

2:41

Who will be the next coach of the Winnipeg Jets? Which of the Moose rookie could stick with the big club next season?

Josh Erickson

2:42

I still think it's Scott Arniel. Lambert is the only one of their first-year pros who I think really challenges for an opening-night job, but I wouldn't hate it if he started the year back with Manitoba before getting a mid-season recall.

2:42

Would like your opinions on what the Jets should do in terms of the backup goalie position, new coach, and any players you see being moved out to either rid salary or shake up the roster.

Josh Erickson

2:44

Keep Brossoit if you can, although he seems intent on wanting a bigger role than he'll get so I think he's gone. The UFA class isn't particularly inspiring among goalies who would settle for 20 or less starts. Scott Wedgewood had a tough year, but he's been really effective otherwise since coming to Dallas - he'd be top of my list.

Stolarz, too, but he had such a ridiculous season that I think he'll go for a tandem role like Brossoit.

2:45

I wouldn't change much. Thought the regular season was more reflective of this core than their playoff performance. Ehlers is on the block but he shouldn't be. I'd like to see what he can do under a coach that trusts him – I feel like that's a move they'll regret.

Ferris Bueller

2:45

Is Alexis Lafrenière an UFA after this season and if he is would the Chicago Blackhawks have any interest? Thanks

Josh Erickson

2:46

Nope. RFA. He won't be UFA-eligible until 2029.

stscott03@verizon.net

2:46

Will the Rangers make any major changes this off season?

Josh Erickson

2:47

Lol, at least give them a chance against Florida!