JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 7/31/24

PHR Live Chat: 7/31/24

Prev Page View Full Chat

Josh Erickson

2:37

There were worse options that they avoided, but between the two finalists, I would've preferred Woodcroft over Evason. The guy they went with doesn't exactly have an encouraging history of development. Kaprizov was already a finished product when he came over, and I don't think it's a coincidence that Rossi began to blossom after Minnesota canned Evason.

Cbj4life

2:37

Where does laine end up going to

Josh Erickson

2:41

Not sure how much smoke there is to the Habs stuff that's been floating around. We haven't really touched on it on the site, so there obviously isn't anything reliable. But I do think it makes sense for Montreal. Seattle obviously still has a need. If I were a betting man, I'd still lean toward the Kraken.

gmm8811

2:41

I like what Armstrong is doing with the Blues so far this summer. Got Buchnevich taken care of, hasn't given out any outrageously stupid contracts, and has some nice cap space. (which is unusual for him) I'm hoping by associating with the Everblades that some of the young kids he's signed will play there instead of back with their European or junior clubs. I say playoffs this year...You?

Josh Erickson

2:45

Certainly agree on the Buchnevich and cap space fronts. But ECHL affiliations are only usually meaningful for NHL teams' goalie pipelines. Guys going back to junior are usually bound to do so by the NHL/CHL transfer agreement – it's not their choice. And even though the Everblades have an impressive run recently, European pro leagues are still a much more competitive environment than the ECHL.

If they made a more notable move than Suter on the blue line, I'd be listening on playoffs. But I'd expect Binnington to regress a bit next season, he was arguably their MVP last year. I think they may take a small step forward, and I do think they're in a better spot for the next few years in general, but I don't think they've done enough to erase a six-point gap.

2:46

Let's see, though. Krug potentially landing on LTIR the whole year obviously opens up a ton of possibilities.

RFAs

2:46

Which restricted free agents will sign 1 year deals this offseason? Example: Peyton Krebs?

Josh Erickson

2:48

Krebs, Parssinen, Berggren, Kaliyev, Tomasino and Spence are names that jump out to me just looking at our list of remaining RFAs real quick.

Just a guy

2:48

Do the Avs and Jackets line up for a trade of Laine - Nichushkin? Both teams likely looking for an out, maybe willing to take a chance? Laine can be mentored by his fellow countryman Rantanen?

Josh Erickson

2:48

Now THAT would be true silly season. I don't think it's a ridiculously far-fetched idea, either.

2:50

But the more I think about it, the less it makes sense for both sides. Let's take the off-ice stuff with Val out of the picture for a second. Laine is a downgrade for the same cost – I imagine Columbus would only be willing to retain up to the point of making Laine's cap hit equal to Nichushkin ($6.125MM).

2:51

And when in the lineup, Nichushkin is a complete unicorn. One of the best all-around wingers in the league who still managed to put up nearly a point per game last season despite whatever he was struggling with off-ice.

2:52

But considering the full picture, I honestly don't see why anyone, Columbus included, would even consider acquiring Nichushkin. Cap hit isn't a hurdle, but six years left on his contract sure is. That would be a buyout from hell.

Medic Mike

2:53

Laine a possibly for the Blackhawks?

Josh Erickson

2:54

I don't think so at this stage. He's 26 and doesn't really fit with their timeline. They've added the top-six depth they needed on the wings in Bertuzzi and Teravainen. He'd just be blocking somebody, and they're not at the stage of their rebuild where giving assets up for a player makes sense.

Avs

2:54

Have the Avs done enough to still be Cup contenders this season? Keeping Mittlestadt was huge, but they didn’t really address their goaltending needs. Thanks!

Josh Erickson

2:55

I do think Georgiev will bounce back somewhat. I wouldn't expect another performance like 2022-23, but he's a league-average goalie throughout his career. He was worse than that last season. I'd expect some natural improvement there, and Annunen looks ready for the backup role. I think they've upgraded their defense depth (love Brannstrom-de Haan as a third pairing).

2:56

It's the depth scoring that worries me. Nikolai Kovalenko will be their x-factor. If he can get you 40-50 points this season on an ELC, that would be huge.

Cbj4life

2:57

So do you think evason one and done

Josh Erickson

2:58

Nah. It was a multi-year signing, and even if he's not the best option, they need front office and coaching stability more than anything else right now. If he's gone after one year, it won't be for on-ice reasons.

2:59

Alright folks, it's just about the top of the hour here. That'll be a wrap for today, and I hope everyone has a great rest of their week!

Connecting…

Message History

On Off

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Josh Erickson hosts a chat