JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 6/4/25

PHR Live Chat: 6/4/25

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Kyle Dubas

2:38

We’ve been linked to multiple young players under contract from Rossi to Byram to Howard and more. Which of these types of young players are the likeliest to come to Pittsburgh, if at all? Anyone you like, and what is the return going the other way? If I can get greedy and grab multiple guys, how much capital does that cost me? Thanks.

Josh Erickson

2:40

Howard would be the lowest acquisition cost. Based on Dubas' moves last season, Howard fits the mould best. But if the Rangers opt to send the Penguins 12th overall, I see them being more willing to leverage that or 11OA in Rossi/Byram talks. I think the latter fits more of their need. He would be their top defenseman, especially if Karlsson gets moved elsewhere.

Utah Mammoth

2:40

What’s the likeliest combination of three new players we could acquire this summer that would really move the needle? Feels like we’re ready to start making moves now.

Josh Erickson

2:44

I expect the defense to remain untouched and goaltending as well, aside from a potential No. 2 option in lieu of Ingram if they don't anticipate having him back to start the season. That leaves three forwards, which I only think is realistic if they trade one (or both) of Lawson Crouse and Matias Maccelli. I imagine they land someone from the top three tiers of UFAs. It might be Ehlers or Boeser. I'm not sure how much Marner is interested, but I always thought Utah made a lot of sense for him if he hit the market. I could potentially see the framework of a Chris Kreider trade working for the Mammoth, too.

gmm8811

2:44

When a player gets traded, does the acquiring team cover moving costs? Is that something covered by the CBA?

Josh Erickson

2:46

Yes, and it is. For any transfer (trade/waive/call-up), if there's a mortgage or rent obligation in the previous city, the acquiring team has to reimburse the player for up to six months. Short-term costs like hotel/rental car are also covered by the acquiring team.

Justin

2:47

With 21 million in cap space, what do you think the Red Wings do?

Josh Erickson

2:50

The tough thing about Detroit is that they're still, inexplicably, way more than one piece away from being a legitimate playoff contender. Even assuming one of Brandsegg-Nygård or Danielson graduates to an NHL role next season, and that's a big assumption, they probably need two top-six forward pickups to be competitive. That would eat up $10-15MM of that space before considering their holes on defense. Luckily, they have no big-name RFAs to sign. I would really, really like to see them shell out for Vladislav Gavrikov if he hits the market. He's the partner they need for Seider and finally gives them a legitimate top pairing. Fill the forward holes however you can after that.

2:50

What do you think will be the end result of the Blackhawks 3 goalie situation? Will they look to move one? Very hard to count on Brossoit for contributions, I would think. Thank you!

Josh Erickson

2:50

If Brossoit has a healthy camp, I imagine they play him a bunch in preseason to try and boost his trade value. They'll probably look to pass him through waivers, give him as many starts in Rockford as he can take, and hope he does well enough to recoup a pick.

Landyn

2:51

Do the St. Louis Blues really need more forwards with the depth that they have and for defensemen, could a Pietrangelo return or Schenn brother acquisition make sense. What will happen to Leddy and Faulk? Is Kessel really a long term asset for them or could he be a trade chip.

Josh Erickson

2:53

Another bottom-six piece might be nice (and that might be just re-signing Faksa), but yeah, I don't think the Blues need to mess with their first two lines too much with Snuggerud making the jump. Pietrangelo doesn't make a lot of sense to me. They're finally shedding the negative value contracts handed out to aging defenders that have plagued them. It doesn't make sense to acquire a contract that will likely be a problem sooner rather than later.

Ron Duguay

2:53

Have the Rangers announced any assistant coach hirings? I saw that Peca and Vellucci went to Chicago, and Muse was officially hired by Pitt? Thanks.

Josh Erickson

2:54

Nope, no assistants for Sullivan yet. I'm sure there's open communication there, but they'll give him a lot of leeway to make decisions himself.

Landyn

2:54

Is Arvid Soderblom really NHL ready or is Brossoit a better option and on that topic is Knight a valid starter.

Josh Erickson

2:56

Söderblom improved considerably from 2023-24 to 2024-25. He's not only NHL-ready, but I'd call him above average last year with a .898 SV% behind a bottom-three Blackhawks defense. Knight sure looked the part after the move. I think he's maybe more of a 1A, but Söderblom still has legitimate 1B potential.

Gumby

2:56

Who is Erik Karlsson playing for opening night?

Josh Erickson

2:57

No clue, but Steve Yzerman loves past-their-prime veterans and using cap space unwisely. Might fit like a glove in Detroit.

Kuntzebrink

2:58

What means the Deal for Brock Nelson 7,5 per Year for the Wild?

Josh Erickson

2:58

I imagine it increases their urgency to land a center in return for Marco Rossi instead of pursuing a free-agent replacement.

Brian

2:58

Can the Preds have a bounce back season?

Josh Erickson

2:59

To some degree, yes. They probably get back to .500 just from a Juuse Saros return to form and a healthy Roman Josi.

DJ Mika Z

2:59

Would I waive my no-trade to go North to Toronto? Maybe in a swap involving Morgan Reilly and other pieces.

Josh Erickson

3:00

Zibanejad may waive, but that framework isn't realistic. They've made it clear Reilly is staying put.

Alright, folks, that's the top of the hour. Thanks for the questions today!

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