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Big is better in the minds of many NHL GMs watching these playoffs. But where can they find size this offseason when free agency and the draft are highlighted by smaller skill players?

Blog | Conversation | May 16, 2013

Craig Custance dives into his mailbag to answer readers who raise concerns about the Detroit Red Wings' roster challenges, and he examines whether the Florida Panthers should select Nathan MacKinnon if they land the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NHL draft.

Blog | Conversation | April 26, 2013

Craig Custance reports on 20 interesting findings from his whirlwind camp tour prior to the NHL openers, starting with why he thinks Chicago goalie Corey Crawford is poised for a bounceback season.

Blog | Conversation | January 21, 2013

With a tentative agreement in place between the NHL and NHLPA, Craig Custance explores the new CBA and last night's cap compromise to gauge the impact on teams and players.

Blog | Conversation | January 06, 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

Craig Custance explains how some NHL clubs may feel a salary cap pinch under a new CBA and why some teams may want to seek an amnesty provision similar to that currently used in the NBA.

Blog | Conversation | November 08, 2012

No one "wins" in a lockout, but there are some teams and players that are hit harder than others ... and there are a few that might benefit from some extra time off. Craig Custance surveys who might be affected more or less if the NHL shuts its doors.

Blog | Conversation | September 11, 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

Craig Custance writes that the New York Rangers will likely look to pursue some high-end goal scorers this offseason, with Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils leading the list of potential targets.

Blog | Conversation | June 05, 2012

While some deep playoff runs are the result of catching lightning in a bottle, the Los Angeles Kings figure to have their core intact for several seasons to come, a factor that leads Craig Custance to believe L.A.'s title window is just now opening.

Blog | Conversation | May 22, 2012

Time and space are at a premium in the postseason, which is why the slapper is giving way to the wrister in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Craig Custance and Lindsay Berra write in ESPN The Magazine.

Story | Conversation | May 14, 2012

Craig Custance explains what the mindset of the Washington Capitals has to be like heading into Game 6 against the New York Rangers, as they try to overcome another devastating loss in Game 5.

Blog | Conversation | May 09, 2012

Craig Custance provides his list of free agents who are enhancing their value with their play this postseason, including the Kings' Dustin Penner.

Blog | Conversation | May 02, 2012

Craig Custance writes that the trade that sent Mike Richards and Jeff Carter from Philadelphia to Los Angeles has worked out for both teams, as Richards in particular has helped fuel the Kings' impressive run this postseason.

Blog | Conversation | May 01, 2012

On the brink of elimination, Stanley Cup favorites Pittsburgh and Vancouver need to address pressing problems or face a fast exit from the 2012 playoffs.

Blog | Conversation | April 16, 2012

With the NHL's 30 general managers meeting in Florida this week, Craig Custance takes a look at three major rules issues that will dominate the discussion.

Blog | Conversation | March 12, 2012