JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 1/15/25

PHR Live Chat: 1/15/25

The Brink

2:27

Which players makes the most sense to aquire for the Minnesota Wild at the upcoming Trade Deadline?

Josh Erickson

2:29

I think it's go big or go home for the Wild. They don't need more depth pieces at forward – they need a bigger fish to move someone like Johansson down the lineup. They'll go hard at Brock Nelson and probably get him if Lamoriello decides he's willing to move him. I imagine their recent rash of injuries on defense will also convince Guerin to try and land a depth piece, but nothing major. Hard to argue for messing with the top four on D as constructed.

Rick Siles

2:30

Are the st.louis blues circling back to acquire Travis Sanheim from Philadelphia? Rick

Josh Erickson

2:31

Before Fowler, maybe. After Fowler, I doubt it. I also don't get the sense that a Sanheim trade is anything the Flyers are considering anymore. He's vastly outplaying his contract this season, and while it may make sense to sell high, they're not too far off from being more serious noisemakers and he'll be a cost-effective piece when they are. Doesn't make sense for Philly to move on from him in the slightest.

Unclemike1526

2:32

Hey Josh, Since the Hawks look to be in the lead for the most ping pong balls in their favor this year, If it falls their way is Hagens the pick? Especially after his performance in the Juniors Tournament? Plus I can see Hall, Dickinson, Murphy, and maybe even Mrazek as deadline deals to acquire even more picks to add to their already huge stockpile. Since there are other guys to consider at 1 what would you do? Thanks man.

Josh Erickson

2:33

Going for need/the safe pick over the best player available has burned them high up in the draft over the past couple of years. I still think Hagens satisfies the latter. I wouldn't overthink taking another center too much, plus it takes some internal pressure off Nazar to fit at C.

TBLfan

2:33

What have you been hearing about Tampa? More likely to make a depth move or take a big swing before the deadline?

Josh Erickson

2:35

Somewhere in the middle. They won't be in talks for any of the top 5-10 big fish, but could easily see them pursuing middle-six pieces. I do wonder if a Gourde reunion is in the cards. Also wouldn't be surprised if the prioritized a more experienced upgrade over Lilleberg on the third D pairing.

Unclemike1526

2:37

The Hawks season is most disappointing on many levels so is Sorenson going to get to keep the job next year? Or do they get an experienced NHL guy? Thanks again.

Josh Erickson

2:38

Their record under both coaches this season is pretty much identical. Under Sorensen, they have a -21 goal differential and a 45.7% shot attempt share at even strength in 18 games. Yuck.

The possession metrics were about the same under Richardson. Their shot attempt share has improved 0.3% under Sorensen – marginal at best. Their straight-up goal differential was better under Richardson. I haven't seen anything to suggest if firing Richardson was the right call that keeping Sorensen is too. I don't imagine he keeps his post.

TraderJoe

2:38

Is there any team that makes sense for a Jarry claim? (Can't think of any. Maybe Columbus, but they've got a brutal goalie contract of their own. Maybe Anaheim if they trade Gibson, Jarry could become the backup to Dostal?)

Josh Erickson

2:39

I don't think a claim makes sense for anybody considering the contract. That's not to say I don't think Jarry will be able to find his game somewhere else, I just think it's prudent to let this play out and wait to see if the Penguins buy him out this summer.

I have been a huge proponent of Jarry. I think, before this season, he's faced a lot of undue criticism. His career numbers are still quite good. He's worth a pickup, just not with that much term left.

2:40

The Kings have gotten great defense with Doughty being out the entire year and it should get better when he returns. Their goaltending is in the top 5 in the league. The problem is their still not scoring and are losing a lot of close games. Their close on payroll but need another score what can they do to get more scoring. Byfield and Moore have not been scoring.

Josh Erickson

2:43

I don't think the Kings will be particularly active at the deadline aside from maybe being in the hunt for a more stable fourth-line center. They simply won't have the financial flexibility to do anything else unless it's a salary-for-salary move.

The lack of scoring isn't a lack of skill, it's a systems issue. Hiller deserves all the credit in the world for how he's got this group gelling defensively. Unfortunately for them, it's resulted in their games being low-event at 5-on-5 at both ends of the ice.

Their team shooting percentage is right around league average, they're just not shooting. It's a shame, because they're actually converting on high-danger chances more than the average club by a significant margin. They just aren't generating enough scoring chances. One acquisition won't fix that. This season, this is just how they'll have to win games.

AlVal

2:44

Are there any current rules you would like to see go away and are there any rules you would like to see added to the NHL game?

Josh Erickson

2:45

Oh, rule added is easy. Two-minute time limit on coaches' challenge-initiated video reviews. I wouldn't impose a time limit on league-initiated reviews (read: playoff overtime). But if you can't make a call in two minutes, it's obviously not egregious enough to overturn the call on the ice.

Arbor/Bossy

2:46

What are the pros/cons of using the 11 forwards 7 defensemen - seems odd to me - perhaps I am too old school for this strategy - It is way past time to release Roy and Lamoriello - they are living on past accomplishments - what is the holdup? money?

Josh Erickson

2:47

If I'm coaching, I'd only go for it if I want to minutes-restrict one of my top-six defenders because they're playing banged up. 7 D also makes sense if you're using the extra one as a power-play specialist, but with the advent of four- and five-forward power plays as the new norm, that's a pretty rare circumstance.

robrob

2:47

Are the Wild better off waiting until Nelson and Boeser are UFA's, or acquiring somebody like Gustav Nyquist (or any rental) as a rental. Or giving up what it takes to add Nelson or Boeser at the TDL. Probably get Nyquist for like a 3rd. Gives them a chance to sign either as a UFA in the off season without giving up assets now. Plus COST certainty with Rossi and Kaprizov extensions on the horizon.

Josh Erickson

2:48

Sometimes it's as simple as when the vibes are good, you go for it. I say they go for it. Their record is way better than it should be considering the injuries they've dealt with. Reward the players now. Sometimes it's hard to make that decision when you've been planning for the future for so long, but the future is now.

robrob

2:49

Your best pick where Brock Nelson gets traded to, if he's traded? Ryan O'Reilly? E Pettersson? JT Miller? Brock Boeser?

Josh Erickson

2:51

IF they're moved: Nelson to the Wild, O'Reilly to the Stars, Pettersson to the Sabres, Miller to the Hurricanes (VAN has been interested in Kotkaniemi in the past, would be a big step to make the money work)

No clue about Boeser, but Minnesota is most likely destination. Just think they'll prioritize Nelson.

robrob

2:52

When does the first trade come? Soon? Or closer to March 7th. Who's in first major trade?

Josh Erickson

2:52

I'll say that if an EP40 or Miller trade gets done, I don't think it'll be a last-minute thing. Not saying that it's imminent, but if it happens, it'll happen by the end of February and not on deadline day.

Hank

2:52

We heard about Maxim Shabanov earlier in the season. Any new rumblings about free agents being pursued in Europe by nhl teams?

Josh Erickson

2:53

Not anything concrete, but man – Josh Leivo is balling out in the KHL. 31 goals and 51 points in 40 games. Only guy with more points in the league than Shabanov.

Senators

2:54

How about O'Reilly to the Sens? Reunite him with Perron.

Josh Erickson

2:54

They won't have the cap for that when everyone's healthy unless they get really creative. I don't think they have that in them and I'm not sure it's worth it. I would rather see them go for a more scoring-inclined winger, not a center.

LGD

2:55

How many pieces do you see the Devils bringing at the deadline and any big names going back the other way? I’d like someone who can do what McLeod did for us to shore up depth. Thanks!

Josh Erickson

2:56

Yeah, they'll be in on Jake Evans. I don't think they need any more pieces than that, honestly. There is such a thing as overthinking the deadline and adding too many pieces (see Pittsburgh, 2013). I haven't come across any Devils names drawing significant interest, likely just because they're not being shopped. Evans doesn't make enough to warrant a major salary going back the other way.

Phanatic

2:56

Should the Flyers be buyers or sellers to continue to collect assets to go along with potentially 3 2025 first round and 3 second round picks? Can they get someone who can play with Michkov?

Josh Erickson

2:57

Not sure about should, but I get the sense they'll be sellers – primarily on Ristolainen. I imagine conversations about Laughton will continue, but considering he's been on the trade block for about five years without getting dealt, I wouldn't be optimistic about a move there.

2:59

Alright, a couple of more questions here before the top of the hour.

Zegras

2:59

with Zegras healthy soon, might he be a trade target? He seems better defensively but offensively zapped in Cronins system. Thanks

Josh Erickson

3:00

I'm not sure how actively they'll shop him, but the Ducks will certainly continue to at least do their due diligence and listen to calls if they come in. I agree, he's major change-of-scenery breakout candidate.

Hank

3:00

Zucker is an upcoming UfA is Buffalo getting calls? And a better question, would they take those calls or are they hoping to resign the zuck?

Josh Erickson

3:00

I'd try and get him to take a two- or three-year deal. With how much he's moved around the past few seasons, you'd think he'd prefer that unless he's really disinclined with the Sabres' direction (and I wouldn't blame him).

3:01

Alright folks, that's the time. Thanks for all the great questions today and I'll be back next week!

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