JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 8/6/25

PHR Live Chat: 8/6/25

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Josh Erickson

2:43

It's an interesting proposition, and it's one the Capitals can afford to make with plenty of other young options to trial in top-nine roles. I think it's hard to handicap who makes it before camp starts. I think there are one or two spots that are entirely up for grabs, and there will realistically be 6-7 players with a chance to earn them. If Leonard is the best option, they'll use him. If not, I don't think they'll have qualms about giving him 22 minutes a night in Hershey based on his limited offensive impact to end last season, as you point out.

Ryker Evans

2:45

What is your prediction for his next contract and will we see it get done before training camp?

Josh Erickson

2:45

Two-year bridge at $3MM per season, I would imagine it's done within 2-3 weeks, yeah

Blue and Orange

2:48

What is the chance perceptual give Matthew Schaffer starting the season and also staying with the Islanders all season

Josh Erickson

2:49

Given the amount of time he missed, I would argue for a reversed plan. Have him go back to Erie for two months out of the gate, then recall him around the holiday break and have him spend the rest of the year on Long Island – an extended conditioning stint against familiar competition.

Chris Haddad

2:50

What’s a trade package look like for Sam Girard?

Josh Erickson

2:52

I think the Avalanche have painted themselves into a corner because they waited too long to do anything. They can't really afford to lose him without recouping a D. That's priority number one, simply getting more cost-effective for his role. Priority number two would then be using whatever other assets they have left to acquire a forward, whether that's using the cap savings to sign Roslovic or flipping other assets they acquired for Girard for a Rust/Rakell type. Right now, there's wayyyyyy too much pressure on Landeskog to return to a top-six role.

Black Ace57

2:52

Do you think that it’s possible the cup winners of the next decade will be dominated by teams who get to lock in stars on long extensions this year and next making their deals a lot more valuable in a few years? I think back to the 2010s and how many teams had superstars on those long term lower AAV deals that became outlawed after the number of years allowed to sign were capped at 8 that gave them a team building advantage (Crosby, Ovechkin, etc)

Josh Erickson

2:53

That's a very astute observation and I would say a correct one. Florida has Barkov, Tkachuk, Reinhart, Ekblad, and Forsling for more than $3MM under market value – each – on long-term deals. Insane work.

Will

2:55

What is the Islanders for and ceiling this year? Seems like they should be taking for a year and really build the farm. Their core wasted too many years already

Josh Erickson

2:56

They can absolutely be a playoff team. If Barzal plays a full 82 and hits 90 points, they can probably challenge for 3rd – maybe even 2nd in the Metro if Sorokin is on form, too.

I think the floor is just missing the playoffs, like 19th-21st overall in league standings. They've done really well to add depth and create insurance policies, especially up front. I don't love the defense but they have time and flexibility. Great summer for them.

Phil

2:56

Byrum for McTavish....who would have to add more? Thanks!

Josh Erickson

2:57

Value-wise, the Sabres probably have to add a tad. Like I've said, I don't think the Ducks pursue anything that doesn't have an RHD as the principal return. I know Byram can play both sides, but they want a true righty.

Dble K

2:58

next player to be moved

Josh Erickson

2:58

Give me Yegor Chinakhov. I wonder if the Blue Jackets get aggressive in trying to package him with something else for a Rust/Rakell type.

Alright folks, nearing the top of the hour here. Thanks for keeping me stocked with questions during the dog days of summer... same time next week!

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