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Players and prospects weren't the only things savvy teams should have picked up from the 2013 trade deadline. Craig Custance points out several critical errors GMs should avoid when building their teams.

Blog | Conversation | April 10, 2013

Since turning heads as a prospect in junior hockey, Jay Bouwmeester has always carried outsized expectations ... and his massive contract in Calgary did little to alleviate them. Now in St. Louis he continues his quest for his first playoff appearance.

Blog | Conversation | April 09, 2013

With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, Craig Custance identifies the top available targets.

Blog | Conversation | April 02, 2013

The minimal return the Calgary Flames procured for star winger Jarome Iginla illustrates why teams can't wait to spin off their most valuable assets ... and why the Flames need to trade Jay Bouwmeester now.

Blog | Conversation | March 28, 2013

As the trade deadline approaches, rumors continue to circle the Calgary crease, although those in Vancouver seem to be quieting. But throughout the NHL, there are more than a few crease situations that could be called into question in the days ahead.

Blog | Conversation | March 27, 2013

With the trade deadline less than a month away, Craig Custance evaluates the top 20 potential rental players that could find themselves on the trade block.

Blog | Conversation | March 07, 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

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

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

Faced with what may be the Sharks' final chance to chase the Cup with their current core of players, Craig Custance writes that there is even more urgency for San Jose's players in the shortened season.

Blog | Conversation | January 22, 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 release of Grant Sonier's Top 30 NHL draft prospects list, Craig Custance chats with an NHL scout and Blue Jackets president John Davidson about the top six prospects for 2013 and where they may best fit at the NHL level.

Blog | Conversation | December 20, 2012

While there is new hope in the NHL CBA negotiations, Craig Custance looks at some of the unintended consequences of a potential lost season, including some big free agents in front offices and the future of NHL icons Jarome Iginla, Teemu Selanne and more.

Blog | Conversation | November 05, 2012

Craig Custance breaks down the NHL's latest CBA proposal to assess the impact on teams up against the salary cap, and those with salaries stashed in the minors. The verdict? Don't expect to see a flurry of panicked trades ... not yet anyway.

Blog | Conversation | October 17, 2012

In a scenario oddly similar to the 2005 draft that produced Sidney Crosby, a lost season may result in a lottery drawing to determine which team could land generational talent Nathan MacKinnon.

Blog | Conversation | October 03, 2012