Craig Custance of ESPN just completed an online chat...
Who is the (very) early favorite in the East? Does NY stay at the top? Does Boston bounce back? TB, MON, PIT, PHL?
Craig Custance My early favorite is Boston. I'm curious to see how Peter Chiarelli gets under the cap. He'll have to move a d-man, but I love how that team is constructed. I like Tampa Bay. I think it's going to be really hard for New York to duplicate last year's success, especially considering how their depth took a hit this off-season.
Craig, great to have NHL chat! What is the goalie situation in Pittsburgh? With MAF playing great in the regular season, but horrible in the playoffs, who do you see the Pens signing to be their #1 this upcoming season? Also, do you think the Pens can land a solid D player, with Orpick gone? Thanks! BRING ON OCTOBER!
Craig Custance Great to be chatting Jdub! This is a big year for Marc-Andre Fleury. He has a new regime to convince he's the answer in Pittsburgh. The one thing you know about him is that he has the unwavering support of that dressing room. He's loved in that room. But you're right, nobody is going to be overly impressed with a strong regular season unless it's followed by a playoff run. The Ehrhoff signing by Jim Rutherford was outstanding and addresses the defense. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he gets a long-term deal before the season ends.
I believe this is the final year of Bobby Ryan's contract - do you think the Sens will try to extend him or trade him this season?
Craig Custance You are correct. This is Bobby Ryan's final season. They may try to extend him but if you're Bobby Ryan, what's your motivation to sign on long term in Ottawa? That's a budget team and if I'm him, I'm playing this thing out to free agency. And if that's the case and the Sens are out of the playoff hunt, Ryan will be one of the big pieces available at the trade deadline.
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