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Craig Custance explores five teams facing tough buy-or-sell decisions as the trade deadline approaches, topped by a Blue Jackets team that suddenly appears to be a playoff contender.

Blog | Conversation | April 01, 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 the 2012-13 season creeping closer, Hockey Prospectus and Craig Custance examine the rosters of every NHL team to see who is on the rise, who is declining and who could shine for the first time in the season ahead.

Story | Conversation | August 30, 2012

With the collective bargaining negotiations ongoing, a proposed change to the salary cap could end up hamstringing some teams financially, including the Sabres, Rangers and Wild.

Blog | Conversation | August 20, 2012

With Shea Weber either staying in Nashville or heading to Philadelphia, there is one more high-end defenseman off the market for 2013. Craig Custance examines the few trade and free-agent options that remain for Weber's other suitors.

Blog | Conversation | July 19, 2012

Craig Custance examines the potential impact of Ryan Suter's departure on Predators captain Shea Weber.

Blog | Conversation | July 04, 2012

Last summer the NHL watched as the Florida Panthers spent wildly to reach the salary-cap floor. This season has lacked similar spending sprees, largely because teams seem convinced the floor will change with the new CBA.

Blog | Conversation | July 03, 2012

With injuries and suspensions dominating the NHL's playoff storylines, Craig Custance examines which player absences have (and will hurt) the most as teams continue to chase the Stanley Cup.

Blog | Conversation | April 18, 2012

Craig Custance writes that Brendan Shanahan is playing a pivotal role this postseason, as his decisions to hand out suspensions (or in some cases, to not suspend) can have a major impact on the result of a playoff series.

Blog | Conversation | April 17, 2012

Craig Custance looks at the goalie situation in Nashville and sees a backup goalie more valuable to the Predators on the trading block than on the bench behind star Pekka Rinne.

Blog | Conversation | April 13, 2012

Craig Custance weighs the various reactions to the NHL's decision not to suspend Shea Weber following his hit on Henrik Zetterberg on Wednesday night. While the Red Wings took the high road in not criticizing the decision, others deemed it unfair.

Blog | Conversation | April 12, 2012

Craig Custance writes that Alexander Radulov's teammates with the Nashville Predators are aware of how excited he is to return to the NHL playoffs. Plus, a look at some teams that are seeking to "flip the switch" as the postseason begins.

Blog | Conversation | April 11, 2012

Craig Custance makes his awards picks for the 2011-12 season.

Blog | Conversation | April 10, 2012

Heading into the playoffs, Craig Custance gets the lowdown on the Nashville Predators from rival players, coaches and scouts.

Story | Conversation | April 04, 2012

Craig Custance writes that momentum is heading in a positive direction in Nashville, and the Predators are hoping the addition of Alexander Radulov can help spark a playoff run that will convince Ryan Suter and Shea Weber to stick around.

Blog | Conversation | March 22, 2012

Craig Custance assesses which individuals were the biggest winners and losers of the 2012 NHL trade deadline. Jeff Carter leads the list of those who should be pleased with how things worked out.

Blog | Conversation | February 28, 2012