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E.J. Hradek takes a quick preseason look -- hey, games have started -- at the Northwest division. The Canucks look like the favorites here -- but don't discount Matt Duchene in Year 2 with the Avs.

Blog | Conversation | September 22, 2010

E.J. Hradek looks at the best and worst move of every Northeast division team this summer; it turns out that the best move by all five clubs may involve a kid that hasn't played a minute of NHL ice time yet -- but is soon to become a Beantown hero.

Blog | Conversation | September 15, 2010

E.J. Hradek examines his five most interesting remaining unrestricted free agents and the market for each, including Paul Kariya, Antti Niemi, Ilya Kovalchuk and more.

Blog | Conversation | August 18, 2010

E.J. Hradek looks at the restricted free agent market -- and specifically, the situations of Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal and Carey Price -- to see what might happen as the summer turns to fall.

Blog | Conversation | August 16, 2010

E.J. Hradek lists his Top 5 best and worst free-agent signings since the 2005 lockout, which will put a smile on the faces of Ducks fans and tears in the eyes of Devils fans.

Blog | Conversation | July 09, 2010

E.J. Hradek reacts to the blitz that is the first day of free agency, breaking down the biggest signings on the blue line, a theme that dominated the first day of the NHL's free-agent signing period.

Blog | Conversation | July 01, 2010

E.J. Hradek, just scant hours before NHL free agency begins, cues up a look at Ilya Kovalchuk, Sergei Gonchar, Matthew Lombardi, Dan Ellis and more to see where they might land.

Blog | Conversation | June 30, 2010

With the season winding down, teams will soon reshuffle their squads for next season. E.J. Hradek examines 15 key free agents who could be available this summer.

Blog | Conversation | June 04, 2010

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, E.J. Hradek ranks the five best free-agent signings of the 2010-11 season. San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi earns the No. 1 spot.

Blog | Conversation | April 01, 2011

E.J. Hradek takes his weekly dip into the mailbag, fielding questions on the Florida Panthers' trade plans for Bryan McCabe, the title chances of the San Jose Sharks and new Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula.

Blog | Conversation | February 24, 2011

E.J. Hradek spotlights players who are providing strong early punch and helping their teams get off to fast starts.

Blog | Conversation | October 22, 2010

E.J. Hradek weighs the winners and losers from Day 1 of NHL free agency. The Penguins are loaded for bear and the Canucks may have enough to finally play for the Cup. The Rangers? Don't ask.

Blog | Conversation | July 02, 2010

With the NHL draft wrapped, E.J. Hradek considers some winners and losers, as well as things he saw -- a subtle hallway conversation between two execs, for example -- plus looking ahead to Thursday and free agency, specifically the goalie market.

Blog | Conversation | June 28, 2010

Jason Arnott has been pining to return to the Devils since last season. Now his wish has come true, and it could mean a boost for former linemate Patrik Elias. Plus, more on the Hamhuis trade in Philly, and what the Devils might turn their eyes to next.

Blog | Conversation | June 21, 2010

With arguably the biggest name on the summer hockey market being Ilya Kovalchuk, E.J. Hradek looks back at his draft class -- 2001 -- and revises Picks 1 to 30, as Derek Roy actually jumps 28 spots, from No. 32 to No. 4, along with other surprises.

Blog | Conversation | June 17, 2010

The glow hasn't faded yet for the Chicago Blackhawks, but as E.J. Hradek writes, the challenge of keeping the team together this summer has already begun.

Blog | Conversation | June 14, 2010