JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 7/23/25

PHR Live Chat: 7/23/25

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Josh Erickson

2:44

Lol, I did see an interview where Michkov said he wasn't going to try it anymore. Basically gave himself one year to do it, and he couldn't, so he doesn't see it as an effective tool to score. Zegras has three already and he wins by default.

Briere

2:44

Do I go for Chinakov to help speed up this rebuild? I have picks to move

Josh Erickson

2:45

I don't think he's a needle-mover, and I don't think Columbus just wants picks, so no, I don't see that fit. Flyers would rather let someone like Alex Bump get some runway in Foerster's vacant spot to open the season.

Sircoblestone440

2:47

What do you think of the Ceci ans Dumoulin ad for LA. Hacking 4 D over 30 is very Risky and do u think their Windows is already vlosing without enough youth apart from Clark and Byfield

Josh Erickson

2:49

Good drafting only helps if someone can properly steer the ship to exit the retool/rebuild. That hasn't happened in LA – they've never at any point given enough trust to the prospects they invest in, and it tampers with their ceilings. They're not a legitimate contender. With Kopitar in particular retiring soon, I don't see how they get there. Yes, Byfield can take that slot –– but then who takes Byfield's? Not a lot to really fall in love with in the forward pool outside of Liam Greentree.

Orioles Fan

2:49

In your opinion will Ovechkin resign with the Capitals,play in Russia,or play for another NHL team in 2026/2027

Josh Erickson

2:50

Let's make one thing clear – there's no scenario in which Ovechkin plays for another NHL team. I still think he heads home after this year, but there's probably around a 25-30% chance he stays for another season in Washington.

Medic Mike

2:50

With the change in the CBA coming might we see more players like Bedard sign for eight years while he can before it changes to only being able to sign for six?

Josh Erickson

2:53

That change likely won't affect Bedard. Since the new MOU only goes into effect in September 2026 and he'll become an RFA in July, he can still sign a seven-year contract as an RFA if he doesn't agree to an eight-year extension before July 1. Of course, that's provided he signs by Sep. 15.

Jon

2:55

Why does it sound like Dougie Hamilton is the most wanted commodity one second and then the Devils will struggle to move him the next? Even with his trade protection, it feels like Fitzy gets gun shy rather than swinging a deal the Devils need to make. Luke is ready for top line/PP QB time and they have serviceable fill-ins with Kovacevic out the first month or two.

Josh Erickson

2:57

I do think that's a fair assessment of the trend we're seeing from Fitzgerald. I agree that moving him and getting a top-nine forward back, with other assets also changing hands, is probably the way to go given the state of their defense pipeline. That would also quiet some of Simon Nemec's concerns about his ceiling in New Jersey's system. I'm still a big believer in him, and would caution anyone thinking otherwise to please take a look at when truly elite defensemen usually hit their stride as a bona fide top-four piece (hint: it's not before they're 21 years old. Everybody just calm down.)

Jon

2:57

Why aren't the Canucks moving Quinn when they can get the biggest return for him? I get that's not so easy to deal a Norris D-man, but they have to know that their team is not built for serious contention right now, no?

Josh Erickson

2:59

Yes, but they believe in their prospects, and it's simply too early to make a call on a player of that caliber when some things can still go right for them.

Alright folks, that's the top of the hour here. Thanks for the questions today, I'll be back next week!

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