The first two rounds of the playoffs are in the books with only four teams remaining in contention for the Stanley Cup while the other 28 await what’s expected to be a particularly busy offseason in terms of activity. Meanwhile, a handful of teams are still working through their searches for their next head coach while another is in the home stretch for finding their next general manager.
With all that in mind, it’s a good time to open up the mailbag once again. Our last call for questions had enough for two separate columns. The first talked about Winnipeg’s attractiveness to players, the Quinn Hughes situation in Vancouver, what could happen this offseason for the Kings, and more. Meanwhile, topics in the second included discussing the idea of San Jose moving its top draft pick, buyout discussions for the Blues, and what Detroit might be looking to do in the coming weeks.
You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter/X or by leaving a comment down below. The mailbag will run this weekend.
Hey Brian, Since it looks like Blashill seems to have a leg up on the Hawks job who might we be looking at for his assistants? And if not Blashill who are they talking about in the recently eliminated teams they might be considering? Thanks P.S. Hope they don’t hire anyone before this weekend. LOL
So what’s the deal with Connor Hellebuyck? If we look at advanced stats of the team around him, is it truly a case of an elite goalie consistently collapsing in the playoffs? Or is it the defence around him?
It’s absolutely stunning to see the Jets go from winning the President’s Trophy to seeing Hellebuyck post the worst numbers of any goaltender in the playoffs – an unacceptable 0.866 save% (and it was worse than that at various points).
And I guess the follow-up question is… Where does the team go from here? Is this something that can be corrected?
The NHL has about 10 Kershaws through history. Marner, Matthews, Panarin, Hellebuyck now. Historically, Yashin, Rick Nash, Todd Bertuzzi, Joe Thornton — even Marcel Dionne — were known to disappear come May. Stammer was accused of being a regular-season merchant for a while, but busted the reputation during the Covid Cup Dynasty. What do you think it takes to coach a guy to play with more intensity, take hits, block shots, not make east-west passes, go to the net, and find shooting lanes — to do the things necessary to play good playoff hockey? Who would even want Marner at $12 – 14 million if he has this reputation?
Good take. Can’t agree more on Marner. He kinda disappeared towards the end of the series against the Panthers. Lots of my fellow Ducks fans are clamoring for the Beeker to sign him. He’s an assist machine with a guy like Matthews on his line but will he be worth the asking price for 6+ years, no! Personally I hope Beeker is above the temptation to sign him.
What do you think the Red Wings will target once free agency starts: Mitch Marner, John Tavares, or Vladislav Gavrikov or someone else?
What does Steve Yzerman need to accomplish for the Red Wings to contend for the playoffs?
The pat, snarky answer to that at this stage seems to be “Resign.”
What does a Devils dream offseason look like?Trades? Free Agency? Etc
Brian –
with the Hawks having the second worst GA this season, don’t they target at least one solid Dman in free agency?
The word that’s leaking around is that Florida won’t be able to afford Ekblad so the Hawks might target him. Of course idiots are already calling Ben Johnson NFL Coach of the Year already and we haven’t even inflated a football yet so there’s that.
What do the Kings do in the off season?
Let’s say every player is available. What are your top 3 targets for 2C position if you are Kent Hughes? And what do you think is the value of Logan Mailoux in a trade? Not really overly impressed with him but I do know that defenseman take longer to develop.
Finally, Fowler seems like the real deal. I expect Dobes to back up Montembault this year but next year? If Fowler develops the way he is supposed to, what do you do? Trade Dobes? Or do you go for the big decision and trade Montembault do let Dobes and Fowler tend the twine??
Thanks as alway! Jaysen 👍
Who do you see having the most successful and most disappointing offseasons from the following groups – contenders, rebuilding (near the bottom), and teams somewhere in between (I know the latter is broad, if you want to segment into teams trending positively / negatively). Thanks!
Unrelated, also curious on your cup pick from the final 4. Thanks again!
IMO, Winnipeg Jets seem to have a # 2 C in Gabe Vilardi ,he was great at face offs in the play offs ( I know it a small sample ) .
For them it will be impossible to sign or trade for a #2 C ,,so what real chance do they have to aquire legitimate top line winger ?or,do they re sign Ehlers as well? or let Lambert ,,Barlow ,,etc try to shine?
Since STL Blues targeted Jets star players in the first round should they try to trade for Rempe and sign Brendan Lemieux in free agency ,,I think they should ,,at least no one will mess with them ,besides it would be fun to watch.
Lightning Round!
Is Merilainen Ottawa’s backup next season – and eventual #1?
More goals: Gauthier or Carlsson.
Is Snuggerud Top-6 & #1 PP unit?
Is Levshunov or Korchinski Chicago’s PPQB?
Levi’s short- and long-term future?
Thanks!
I’m quite curious about Tampa’s offseason plans. GM Julien BriseBois stated about a week ago that the organization is still debriefing on their offseason plans. However, the belief is they need to boost their bottom-six with more secondary scoring & some additional grit. Furthermore, there is speculation they also need to possibly upgrade their 3rd defensive unit. I’m wondering (& have some ideas) who they should look into or go after in FA whether it’s UFAs or even RFAs in retooling these areas to certain degrees as I would like to hear your thoughts?
Also, if Jeff Blashill is leaving as an assistant, does this potentially open the door for Derek Lalonde to return who many Tampa fans want back on the staff?
One last thing, Tampa needs to move Conor Sheary which would give them an additional $2M in cap space as that $2M that could be used elsewhere, wouldn’t you agree?
It appears the Flyers will have some cap room heading into next season… is there be enough to make some progress in the rebuild? What impact might Tocchet have on recruiting free agants, motivating players, style of play, and winning?
With Steve Yzerman under pressure from Detroit Red Wings fans, do you think he can pull off a blockbuster move and sign Mitch Marner?
What names do you think the Red Wings will pursue once free agency starts?
Since my other question basically was answered would you please tell me if you’ve ever read anywhere that Mitch Marner won’t play for a rebuilding club? A poster named Whiff Paiment insists he read that somewhere and he won’t play for the Hawks. Thanks
We know what WP’s notions are worth, of course …
What would it take for the Blues to pry Tkachuk away from Ottawa? Kyrou and what else?
Hi Brian –
Put on your Kyle Davidson hat for a minute.
Who do I target in FA?
Ekblad, Marner, Bennett?
Just for funsies, predict who gets hired for remaining head coach openings?
Do we have a Colorado team spiraling towards a rebuild ? No draft picks in first 3 rounds of the next draft , a very poor prospect pool , a very inconsistent Necas and a questionably effective Landeskog with no second line capable center in their top 6 as well as a fair top off after Girard with their defense with omly 8 mil in cap space to fill holes. Seems to me they are skating on pretty thin ice . What say you ?
What do you think about this idea that the Panthers are franchise killers? They run roughshod over teams who have no answer for their combination of grit, compete, execution, and opportunism. I’m not a fan, but I’m in awe of how they dismantle teams and expose their flaws — with the Canes it looks like they’re being patient, goading them into taking penalties, and using their size advantage. If they win again this year, would you consider them a dynasty, or do they need one more championship? Do you think they’ll try and retain Bennett? It seems like Ekblad is out the door, and I think he’s definitely a huge part of their imposing backend. Lastly, what do you think about the talk of them being “dirty,” “headhunting,” and Paul Maurice basically being a bounty coach (obviously not explicitly)?
If the Islanders draft Schaefer, do they look to trade Dobson and what could they get in return for him?