JotCast | PHR Live Chat: 11/26/25

PHR Live Chat: 11/26/25

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Josh Erickson

1:58

Hello all, happy Thanksgiving eve! I'll get started on questions in just a couple of minutes.

deadline

2:00

if Chicago retains 1/2 of Murphy's salary, would they get more or less for him than Grzelcyk at the trade deadline ? Thx

Josh Erickson

2:02

The Blackhawks' best shot at getting anything of real value for Connor Murphy would have been to trade him with retention last season. Now, he's squarely a No. 6/7 option and is barely being used at even strength. At a $4.4MM cap hit, he's immovable, even on an expiring deal – unless it's a tweener team with loads of cap space looking to add depth. Even if they retained half, they're not getting anything more than a fourth or fifth-round pick. Grzelcyk has put together much better two-way play this season and would fetch more.

Blues Man

2:03

While goaltending isn't stealing any games, the Blues are giving up a lot of grade A chances and get hemmed in their zone a lot with poor decisions. Who do you see realistically being traded first? A forward or defensemen and who?

Josh Erickson

2:08

Earlier in the season, it really was just goaltending, but you're right – the defensive structure has begun to unravel in the past few weeks. They're now 24th in the league in high-danger chances against. I'd argue Binnington's improved as of late, but that's not enough defensive support to get them out of this rut. Justin Faulk's trade value is the highest it's been in quite some time. He's second on the team in scoring and leads them in time on ice. I can see them trying to capitalize on that. He's also only got one year left on his deal after this, while their other big trade bait (at least among skaters), Schenn, has two.

james301

2:08

who are your top five defensemen based on current contract length left, AAV, and performance?

Josh Erickson

2:13

I'm not sure how you intend for me to weigh those variables. I'm of the mind that the best players are the best players regardless of the contract attach to them – you roll with those punches and build the team around them. To that end, I'm not taking Makar and Hughes away from the 1 and 2 spots just because they're both a year away from unrestricted free agency (even so, their cap hits are valuable enough).

For the other three, I would have Rasmus Dahlin in there. His $11MM cap hit is going to become quite desirable once Makar and Hughes reset the market. Adam Fox is having a great bounce-back campaign and I think he's deserving of a mention. I'd probably throw Miro Heiskanen at $8.45MM in there for another few seasons as my fifth.

Edmonton Goalie

2:13

It's time for the Oilers to go all out to find someone who is a definite improvement over Skinner and Pickard. Pickings are slim, particularly for those who might be able to work cap-wise. I've looked and I think Binnington is the right play, despite his struggles this year. Is there any chance the Blues and Oilers play nice? (I know it's nuts, but Hyman for Binnington and a 2nd? Tough pill to swallow, but the Oilers need to get somone better between the pipes.) I'm less confident Saros is the answer? Where else could Edmonton turn?

Josh Erickson

2:17

You mention the Oilers' cap situation. I agree that it's tricky, and I think that's exactly why Binnington is a risk they can't afford to take. I don't think the Blues will be willing to part ways with him easily, especially not if they're being asked to retain money. I also think trading for goaltenders is extremely volatile and because of that, I wouldn't be keen on picking up a long-term contract like Saros'. I think the right approach is similar to what the Avs took with their succession of Grubauer->Kuemper->Georgiev->Blackwood that ended up being good enough for a Cup... try to catch lightning in a bottle with a cheap option.

Pittsburgh would be far more inclined to move Tristan Jarry with retention, and he's cheaper than Binnington anyway. He would be my primary target right now. I would be calling the Sabres about one of their goalies. Nico Daws from New Jersey's system intrigues me as well.

Blues Fan

2:17

What's your take on the Skinner for Binnington smoke?

Josh Erickson

2:18

From what I understand, those talks haven't happened. Not to say they won't, but it's not something either team has legitimately pursued yet.

whartyboy

2:19

Do you feel like the plans for teams like Calgary, Nashville, and now apparently Toronto are impacted by the odds of them landing Gavin McKenna in the next draft? That they’re standing largely pat or being discreet about their immediate futures because they want to remain in lottery contention?

Josh Erickson

2:21

Not anymore. McKenna's start at PSU has really hurt his stock. There are multiple reports that multiple clubs don't have him as their No. 1 prospect anymore. That said, there's still really high-end talent available in this top 3-4, particularly Ivar Stenberg and Keaton Verhoeff. It's a good draft to have a high pick, not just for McKenna.

Considering where those teams are at, I think it's the smart play for all of them to just sit this year out and hope for a good lottery result – in particular for the Maple Leafs, who will only retain their selection if it's a top-five pick. If not, it goes to the Bruins.

Connor

2:21

Will the bruins make a splash move? Or is this not the year for it?

Josh Erickson

2:23

They're starting to come back down to Earth a bit. They've allowed the second-most goals in their division while Swayman, in my view, has been a top-three goalie in the league this season... this team does not have the legs defensively to make the playoffs, and they know that. Unless it's a long-term move, I don't sense the Bruins make any significant additions on the trade market.

Red The Bruin

2:24

What would a realistic return look like for the Bruins if they trade Pavel Zacha? I have seen values like Owen Beck, Jaden Strubel and a 2 if he would be sent to Montreal.

Josh Erickson

2:25

That's... surprisingly reasonable? Yeah, send it. I think that's right on the money.

Cody

2:26

Does berube finish the year

Josh Erickson

2:27

I think so. This is only year two, and I don't think the front office is eager to make him a scapegoat. If nothing changes once their injury troubles pass, though... I wonder if they consider an offseason coaching change.

Pawtucket

2:29

We all know Vancouver is a mess. However, I've noticed that most of the discussion is around injuries, management, and ownership as the problem. Nobody seems to be pointing their finger (even in the local media) at the rookie head coach who's obviously got a flawed defensive system (for a team with a better than decent defensive makeup). Why is that?

Josh Erickson

2:32

I'd have the same criticisms of Adam Foote, so I can't give you a great answer. The Canucks are allowing 3.25 expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. That's the worst in the league and a full 0.20 worse than 31st place. Untenable.

Black Ace57

2:33

Happy Turkey Week. There’s been talk by Frank Serevalli about the issues with the Flyers paying too many wings and the issue of signing Zegras if he isn’t really a center. Do you think the Flyers should extend him? Is it going to be hard for them to trade wings for a 1 or 2 C if that’s their only real option?

Josh Erickson

2:34

First off... everyone clap for point-per-game Trevor Zegras.

2:37

He is a dynamic offensive talent on a team that sorely needed one. I don't care what position he plays. He's a spectacular fit there and is worth extending. I'm not saying Porter Martone was a bad pick at all, but I will point out that, given where the Flyers are at in their rebuild, James Hagens was likely their last chance to draft a center with true No. 1 upside.

I've heard the notion that their wing depth, plus Zegras' ability to slot in down the middle, will make things okay long term because they'll be able to pair multiple middle-six centers with high-end wingers. I have time for that theory. It worked for the Rangers for a good long while, even if it never resulted in a Cup.

Henry

2:37

Any LHD available that the Rangers can go after? We are in need of at least 2.

Josh Erickson

2:38

Woof, Carson Soucy... I'm floored he's managed a +5 rating with how nasty those under-the-hood numbers look. The two names that jump out to me are Pavel Mintyukov and Mario Ferraro, based on the skill set you want.

Devils

2:40

Need forwards who can play and still a bit healthy. Is Blais worth a claim?

Josh Erickson

2:41

Keep in mind that the Devils are fifth-last in claim priority. I would do it. I like what he brought to the table in spot duty for Toronto. Even with everyone healthy, I think he's a more dynamic option for a fourth-line grinder/healthy extra role than Zack MacEwen.

Devils

2:43

The team seems to have not installed all those telephone lines that Lou removed when he was GM, as they are never in rumors or news. What exactly is Fitz doing?

Josh Erickson

2:44

They are kicking the tires. The understanding is that they're inclined to trust their internal solutions in the wake of the Jack Hughes injury, but are looking to add a bottom-six/third-line piece, particularly with Ondrej Palat falling off the face of the planet. A Blake Coleman reunion is something they're targeting but that won't be until closer to the deadline if it happens.

Henry

2:47

Is there a market of Dylan Garand, he’s stuck behind Shesterkin & Quick and with the signing of a more experienced Spencer Martin, there’s no room for Garand on our team.

Josh Erickson

2:48

Martin was signed to be Garand's backup in Hartford, not the other way around. Regardless, with him posting a .897 SV% in 11 games this year, I can't imagine there's a trade market for him.

Free agent buzz

2:48

I get the Leafs are struggling, but they have been hit by injuries and it's still relatively early. You really think they should just basically tank to keep their top 5 pick? Not saying they will even make the playoffs, but feels like a slight overreaction based on just over 1/4 of the games.

Josh Erickson

2:51

A tank isn't what I meant to imply. I think they should be in the business of letting things play out and not make an aggressive move too early in the season. Once they're at the Olympic break, they can make a call. If they haven't made any meaningful gains by then, yes, I would approach the deadline like Boston did last year and sell off some names in hopes of being well-positioned for the lottery. If they're back in it by then, that's great too.

KingsFan30

2:52

when will Drew Doughty be back in the Lineup?

Josh Erickson

2:52

Another week or two. They host the Blackhawks twice in three days early next month. I'd be looking there.

Monty

2:53

Will Florida make the playoffs?

Josh Erickson

2:56

I'd say yes. They're three games above .500 with Bobrovsky playing like G. Backup. They've still been a top-10 team defensively in front of him. Add Tkachuk back in, and more offense will flow. But man, oh man... where would they be without Brad Marchand??

2:58

Alright, folks, we're near the top of the hour here. Hope everyone has a great start to their holiday season. Thanks for the questions!

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