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With rumors swirling of Patrick Roy's return to Colorado as the Avs' new head coach, Craig Custance explores the summer coaching market and some of the top candidates at the NHL, AHL, junior and college levels.

Blog | Conversation | May 21, 2013

The good news for Colorado: The Avs have Ryan O'Reilly back, are getting healthy and are just four points out of the playoff race. The bad news: There's not much time left and a pair of games against the NHL's top team could preempt their playoff push.

Blog | Conversation | March 06, 2013

Craig Custance studies the aftermath of the Flames' attempt to lure away Avalanche center Ryan O'Reilly with an offer sheet, noting the Calgary may have made several mistakes in the process.

Blog | Conversation | March 01, 2013

Craig Custance evaluates the early returns from the summer's free-agent moves to rank his top five so far, noting that it's been the under-the-radar signings that have made the biggest impact.

Blog | Conversation | February 27, 2013

Craig Custance says Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne is getting little help from his offense, but the shortened season could alleviate some wear and tear on Rinne.

Blog | Conversation | February 26, 2013

With Lindy Ruff out in Buffalo, Craig Custance surveys the NHL to see which other coaching hot seats might be heating up as an opportunity to hire the veteran Sabres coach could intrigue several teams off to sluggish starts.

Blog | Conversation | February 20, 2013

With an early projection of the top 10 picks in June's entry draft, Craig Custance explores the possibility of some of the top prospects in the 2013 draft class being claimed by traditionally powerful teams experiencing down years at the right time.

Blog | Conversation | February 18, 2013

For prospective draft picks of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the interview process just got a lot more daunting. Just ask some of the Blues drafted by new Jackets' GM Jarmo Kekalainen. Plus, this week's mailbag.

Blog | Conversation | February 15, 2013

With the Avalanche now reportedly shopping restricted free-agent center Ryan O'Reilly, Craig Custance explores the top options for Colorado and the three most likely suitors on the trade market.

Blog | Conversation | February 14, 2013

Craig Custance dives into his mailbag to examine a question on how teams can get the best value on their player contracts and whether the Montreal Canadiens may have erred in their deal with P.K. Subban.

Blog | Conversation | February 01, 2013

With the NHL including an option for teams to buyout contracts to comply with a proposed drop in the salary cap, Craig Custance examines some likely candidates in the Western Conference.

Blog | Conversation | December 31, 2012

With the 2012 Summer Games serving as a back drop, Craig Custance starts looking ahead to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia, projecting what a possible American roster might look like given an influx of young talent.

Blog | Conversation | August 08, 2012

After the St. Louis Blues emerged as one of the NHL's top teams last season, Craig Custance looks at what spurred their breakout and which teams could mirror that success in 2012-13.

Blog | Conversation | August 06, 2012

Craig Custance evaluates the top 50 free agents in the 2012 class.

Story | Conversation | June 18, 2012

After the announcement of the three Calder Trophy finalists, Craig Custance provides his pick on who should win the award, as well as a group of snubs that also deserved some serious consideration.

Blog | Conversation | April 20, 2012

Craig Custance writes that while there is no real sense of urgency when it comes to the upcoming labor negotiations between the owners and the NHLPA, many players are already saving money in case there ends up being a lockout.

Blog | Conversation | March 15, 2012