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PHR Live Chat With Gavin Lee 04-04-19
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Jarmo
6:26
What are the chances I'm still employed if we miss the playoffs
Gavin Lee
6:26
I'm not convinced he'll be out if they miss.
Kekalainen has done a lot of great things for that organization.
6:27
I didn't love the idea of going all in, but I can understand it if you think you're losing Panarin and Bobrovsky.
Still lots of talent in that system, they won't be the worst team in the league even if all the free agents leave.
Ducks
6:27
Why don't you see the Ducks sign to many of the big college free agents? Is it a west coast thing?
Gavin Lee
6:28
That certainly might be part of it, given the preference for teams like the Wild, Maple Leafs, Bruins and Rangers every year.
But it also might just be a philosophy in that front office.
6:29
Remember that college free agents rarely actually become impact players.
Even though they're fun to speculate on, it's not a great success rate.
Jake
6:29
Are the Leafs in salary cap hell?
Gavin Lee
6:30
They're not in an easy situation, but I also don't think they're in as much trouble as everyone seems to think.
6:31
Their aren't a lot of contracts on those books that wouldn't be appealing to other teams. That's how you get into real "hell"--when you have to start giving away other assets to dump contracts on people.
Dubas
6:32
If Marleau or Zaitsec has to be moved this offseason, what kind of piece would have to be attached to either?
Gavin Lee
6:32
This is related.
I'm not convinced either would even take an asset. You'd have to convince Marleau of course, since he has a full no-movement, but remember his deal was all signing bonuses. After July 1 he has just $1.25MM on his contract.
6:33
What team with cap space wouldn't want to add Patrick Marleau for $1.25MM?
As for Zaitsev, I'm not sure he's as poorly regarded around the NHL as fans seem to think.
6:34
His deal is too long, sure. But $4.5MM isn't a cap-breaker for many teams.
He's also another one with a big signing bonus due in July.
6:35
Though that doesn't matter as much, because of how many years are left.
bill
6:35
What current GM is in the most trouble?
Gavin Lee
6:36
Honestly for me it might be Jason Botterill, even though he hasn't been there all that long. That was a disastrous free fall for Buffalo, and ownership has been quick with their trigger before (not just in hockey).
I'm not saying it'll happen this summer, but the Sabres need to start finding some success.
6:37
Otherwise the Kings group certainly has to turn things around, Pierre Dorion obviously has heat at all times.
bill
6:38
What about Jeff Gorton?
Gavin Lee
6:38
That's definitely a good point, given the news that Sather might step down. Someone new might want to bring in his own guy.
Still, I think everyone is happy with the way the rebuild is going so far.
6:39
They collected a ton more assets at the deadline this year, and if they can start hitting on these draft picks they'll be just fine.
If in 2-3 years they're still at the bottom of the league? You can bet there will be heads rolling.
ol82nd
6:39
Carolina in or out, what moves for the upcoming off season.
Gavin Lee
6:40
As I said above, their defense is still overcrowded. I think they move at least one name for another forward, and might even prod the goaltending market a bit.
6:41
But this surge (pun intended) has reminded them of how the plan was supposed to go.
No chaos even if they miss.
Gio
6:41
The Jets have been playing like they don’t care.  I know that sounds harsh but they like uninterested.   Do the private players only meeting ever help?   Are they still a serious contender.
Gavin Lee
6:42
I think with the talent on their roster they certainly have to be considered a contender still, but boy are they not as impressive as they once seemed.
They could potentially lose home ice advantage in the next few days, which is a bigger factor in that division than maybe any other in hockey.
6:43
We're going to need to see something out of them in the next two games.
Goggles
6:43
who would you rather play if you were the Lightning, Carolina, Columbus or Montreal
Gavin Lee
6:44
I think if I were Tampa I'd rather play the Canadiens, even with Price. I think they stack up quite nicely against that group, and will overrun the Montreal defense.
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