Tom asks Will Brian Burke make some moves to remake the Leafs ?
A: Burke is one of the sharpest GM's in the NHL and if I was a Leaf fan I'd be confident that he's going to take his time and see what he can get for the players that might be attractive to contenders . Wednesday may not be a day where Toronto fans see anything exciting from a "names" perspective short term being added to their franchise, but I'll bet he's going to get his hands on some much needed draft picks to restock the base .
Donny asks Keeper League - I can only keep one who do I keep Parise, Rick Nash, or Cammalleri ?
A: Great question and I look forward to doing these all through the playoffs and summer, but since you asked now I keep Parise . I'd love to find a trade partner in your league for the other two before throwing them back, but Parise has convinced me that he is an elite talent with a great work ethic , no health concerns, and his best years probably still a few years away .
Taskmaster asks Is Huet going to be the starter in Chicago the rest of the way ?
A: He's the short term #1 but assuming the team keeps both guys past the trade deadline it's a situation that requires constant monitoring .
Tyler asks Is the Ovechkin/Crosby feud good for the NHL ?
A: Sure as long as they keep it intense but clean . Rivalries are what drive sports... Lakers/Celtics, Yankees/Red Sox . It's a great story line with 2 young players who probably have the same number of years left in the NHL, health willing .
BS asks Will the Sharks keep Claude Lemieux through the end of the season ?
A: As long as he's healthy and making a contribution he'll play out the remainder of the regular season and playoffs as a Shark .
DB asks Is Sean Avery worth a pickup ?
A: At first glance I would say definitely not, but assuming he lands back in New York wait a minimum 4-6 games to see how the team will employ him and what kind of shape he is in . Rangers have had an awful time scoring this season - there has to be higher upside choices on the waiver wire/ available for trade in your league .
Vin asks will the Wings repeat as Cup Champs this season ?
A: They'll be the favorites of course along with the Sharks . I'm not sure about the feasibility of having Ty Conklin as your #1 netminder for the duration of the tournament . Chris Osgood needs to be much better or a San Jose or Boston is a definite threat to a repeat .
DK asks Is there any chance my Bruins add Keith Tkachuk at the deadline ?
A: While Tkachuk has a no trade clause, that seems like a good fit doesn't it ? I think Boston senses this is their best opportunity to make long playoff run in some time and they'll do something significant .
Thrashmanz asks Any chance Ilya Kovalchuk will be dealt ?
A: I think that if the Thrashers deal Kovalchuk you'd have to be really concerned about their ability to sustain a team in that market . Who else is the drawing card if you're not buying a ticket to see him ? The other matter is that any "buyers" at the deadline will be playoff teams and those clubs aren't going to send you 3-4 guys off their roster to get him . If Atlanta was to move him I would bet they could get a larger return in the summer - but if I was the GM I wouldn't be letting him out the door .
Fishputz asks Can Darcy Regier make a major move at the deadline to offset the losses of Vanek and Miller ?
A: That's not been the style of Sabres management and I don't see them doing anything major . They'll probably look into a low cost netminder to help Patrick Lalime in the run up to the playoffs . There are rumblings that the team is under some pressure to make the postseason out of financial concerns so I think they'll tinker but maybe not do anything other than look for some insurance in goal .
Stu asks Will Marian Gaborik be dealt out of Minnesota ?
A: That kind of deal is too complicated to make without the acquiring team having some assurances that Gaborik will hold up into the playoffs . Also the team getting Gaborik would need to be giving up too much NHL ready talent that they would be putting this year at risk to grab a guy who's a big risk .
BillyB asks Is Pekka Rinne for real ?
A: Absolutely . He's climbing the keeper rankings for next season with each successive strong performance .
Kc asks - long term Carey Price or Cory Schneider ?
A: Price is still the better long term bet . He's a #1 goalie on a team that should be battling for playoff spots for the next 5 years at a minimum . I like Schneider as well but he's blocked by Roberto Luongo and until we see where he lands if he's traded Price is the choice.
Dave D asks - Is Joe Sakic worth hanging on to for next year in a keeper league?
A: I would guess that unless you have very few quality keepers to decide among, it would be wise to throw Sakic back .
Kyle asks When is Brodeur due back ?
A: Seems to be the aim is Thursday the 26th . Expect him to be eased back in as Clemmensen has played well in his absence . Marty's workload will increase as we get closer to the postseason.
DCFAN asks What do the Caps need to make an extended playoff run ?
A: I love their scoring depth and they have enough on the blueline to like . I think they should look to upgrade their goaltending situation if they can do so without disrupting their core .