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Craig Custance explains why the NHLPA approved realignment this time around, and he answers mailbag questions on the future in Columbus and who might be in the trade market.

Blog | Conversation | March 08, 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

There are some who believe the NHLPA's disclaimer of interest could expedite an agreement ... others think it could crush the NHL in years of court battles. Craig Custance explains the true impact of the move.

Blog | Conversation | December 17, 2012

If the NHL season ever gets underway, unsigned restricted free agents like Jamie Benn and Michael Del Zotto will need to expedite negotiations on a new contract, which could be complicated by the new CBA.

Blog | Conversation | December 13, 2012

Craig Custance dives into the madness that surrounded the NHL's CBA drama Thursday night, noting that while progress may be closer than it appears, the league's likely belief that it can survive another lost season is a cause for fan concern.

Blog | Conversation | December 07, 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

With federal mediators stepping into the NHL's labor fray, Craig Custance looks at where they might be able to find areas of compromise among the key remaining issues prolonging the league's work stoppage.

Blog | Conversation | November 27, 2012

While bargaining talks proceed at snail's pace, Craig Custance offers up six new voices that could offer some fresh perspective and help breakthrough the seemingly endless debate between the league and the NHLPA.

Blog | Conversation | November 20, 2012

Players have been united in their opposition to the league's recent proposals, but can that unity endure when so many players are facing very different sets of circumstances? Craig Custance explores through the lens of free-agent-to-be Corey Perry.

Blog | Conversation | November 16, 2012

Craig Custance explains why the negotiating tactics employed by the league and the players are creating distrust that might doom the NHL to a perpetual cycle of work stoppages.

Blog | Conversation | October 19, 2012

Craig Custance breaks down the NHL's latest CBA proposal to assess the impact on teams up against the salary cap, and those with salaries stashed in the minors. The verdict? Don't expect to see a flurry of panicked trades ... not yet anyway.

Blog | Conversation | October 17, 2012

As the players and owners continue to battle over the new CBA, GMs are more concerned about the potential impact on the salary cap. A lower cap, could put some big players on the market. Craig Custance examines which players could be cap casualties.

Blog | Conversation | September 28, 2012

Craig Custance reports that the NHL -- lured by financial incentives, fan interest and the city's sizable media market -- might be setting up shop in the Emerald City through expansion rather than relocation.

Blog | Conversation | September 20, 2012

Craig Custance chats with several former players regarding the 2004-05 lockout. While some believe the lost season gave rise to a stronger players union, at least one star believes the cost was ultimately not worth it.

Blog | Conversation | September 18, 2012

As the lockout begins, Craig Custance reports that GMs are examining strategies from the league's previous stalemates to build post-lockout winners, and outlines team characteristics that will most likely lead to success.

Blog | Conversation | September 17, 2012

With a lockout all but finalized in the NHL, Craig Custance looks behind the lines to see where the players and owners stand in the battle of who will blink first.

Blog | Conversation | September 14, 2012