Craig Custance of ESPN with a chat today...

Craig, what do you see the Caps doing with Mike Green? Trotz says he wants him around, but he's in the last year of his deal, makes too much money, and the Caps need a #2 center. Is there a deal out there that you could see them making?

Craig Custance Yeah, I still wouldn't rule out a Mike Green trade. But the Capitals are in a good spot, they don't need to deal him. They can wait for another team to get desperate and come calling. Also, keep in mind, everyone thought the Penguins were going to trade Matt Niskanen at this point last year and then they got crushed with injuries and he rescued the defense. If Washington starts getting banged up defensively, Green isn't going anywhere.

With the addition of Spezza centering a solid 2nd line and if Nichushkin makes a big jump in his 2nd season how dominant can the top line of Seguin, Benn, and Nichushkin be? Top 2 or 3 in NHL?

Craig Custance I love that line. I wish I liked Dallas' defense better. Spezza and Hemsky now gives opposing teams something to think about. The Seguin line always saw the best d-men last year. If Nichushkin makes a jump in year two, that's definitely a top three line.

Which teams in the East and the West do you see as having a closing window in the next two - three years? I have delusions as a Sabres fan of seeing the playoffs again, as does a buddy of mine who's a Flames fan. Yes, we're heavy drinkers.

Craig Custance Haha, Bill. Lay off the sauce, Sabres aren't making the playoffs. The Sabres are much better off being a lottery team this year. I think Boston's window is closing for the simple reason that Chara is on the back end of his career. He's such an important piece that if his game declines, they are less imposing. Out West, it's the Marleau/Thornton Sharks. I'm starting to think they take one more kick at it this year with a big year but after that it closes. I think Vancouver and the Sedins may have another good year left too.

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