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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 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

Hovering on the fringe of the Eastern Conference playoff chase is not where the Rangers expected to be this season. Now they'll face some tough trade deadline decisions. Plus, this week's dip into the mailbag.

Blog | Conversation | March 22, 2013

The Islanders have been stockpiling top draft picks and feature one of the league's brightest young players in John Tavares, so why does the franchise continue to languish outside of the playoff picture? Craig Custance explores the issues for the Isles.

Blog | Conversation | February 28, 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

Five things you need to know about Monday's games: 1. The Maple Leafs got a scare when starting goalie James Reimer left Monday's game early against the Flyers with a lower-body injury. Ben Scrivens was strong in relief, making 32 saves in Toronto...

• It might be a little too soon to call it a Western Conference finals preview, but the much-anticipated game between the Sharks and Blackhawks, who are both off to fast starts this season, didn't disappoint. With goals from Joe Pavelski a...

Craig Custance writes that a loaded 2013 draft class and the lockout-shortened season could affect teams' decision-making this season -- and that a big-market team has a better-than-usual chance of landing a game-changer in the draft.

Blog | Conversation | January 29, 2013

We know about the superstars like Sidney Crosby, but seasons often swing on the pivotal players who take on new roles or carry big expectations. Craig Custance offers up 10 such players who could define their teams' fortunes in the shortened 2013 season.

Blog | Conversation | January 18, 2013

Craig Custance chats with Zach Parise, Ryan Suter and Chuck Fletcher to assess the new expectations facing the suddenly-stronger Minnesota Wild.

Blog | Conversation | January 16, 2013

Craig Custance breaks down the key themes in the Pacific Division ahead of the 2013 season. Among the most notable storylines: Jaromir Jagr leads an impressive corps of veterans in the division. How will they hold up in the short-season sprint?

Blog | Conversation | January 14, 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

With decertification a possible road for the NHLPA, Craig Custance looks at who some of the winners and losers might be in a radically-altered landscape.

Blog | Conversation | December 03, 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

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