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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

And so, now the hockey world eyeballs Shea Weber and wonders what the big guy will do. My ESPN The Magazine colleague Craig Custance did a great job breaking that down Wednesday. A restricted free agent, the Nashville Predators captain will be a m...

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

The Nashville Predators have re-signed defenseman Hal Gill to a two-year contract worth $4 million, according to an NHL source.

Like every team in the Central Division, the Predators are better because of the Red Wings, writes Craig Custance.

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

How do you win a playoff game against the Red Wings when you have only 17 shots on goal? You have Pekka Rinne make 40 saves, writes Craig Custance.

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

Red Wings forward Darren Helm is dealing with bittersweet feelings while having to sit out as his arm laceration heals, writes Craig Custance.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings had another six penalties in their 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators in Game 3 to grow their playoff total to 20 in three games. For a team that was the second least penalized team in the NHL during the regular seas...

Shea Weber wasn't fazed by being the villain in Joe Louis Arena, and responded with a power-play goal for the Predators in Game 3.