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With a condensed schedule and a late trade deadline, Craig Custance explores the value of acquiring new players early. Plus notes on the Sabres' path forward, a rookie's debut at the GM meetings and how salary retention may be very valuable to some teams.

Blog | Conversation | March 21, 2013

Tuukka Rask has proven to be a more-than-worthy successor to Tim Thomas. Now it's time to pay him his due. Craig Custance explores how Rask's impending free agency could impact the Bruins.

Blog | Conversation | March 12, 2013

Hockey Prospectus projects the top 10 goal scorers in the 2013 season using HP's VUKOTA projection system.

Story | Conversation | January 13, 2013

With the CBA settled, Craig Custance looks at the next big dominoes set to fall in the NHL. While a Roberto Luongo trade dominates the discussion, other teams look to finalize signings ... or simply reclaim their players from Russia.

Blog | Conversation | January 08, 2013

With early April the likely spot for the NHL's 2013 trade deadline, teams will have the luxury of acquiring assets for minimal real money, potentially spurring a flurry of deals.

Blog | Conversation | January 07, 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 Eastern Conference.

Blog | Conversation | December 31, 2012

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

Craig Custance explores several ideas for how the NHL can help win back fans after the 2012 lockout. A Winter Classic doubleheader would be a nice start.

Blog | Conversation | November 10, 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

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 their careers approach an end, veterans like Mike Knuble are hoping for a resolution to the lockout so they can continue to play in the league they love.

Blog | Conversation | October 15, 2012

A look at how NHL teams spent money after the 2004-05 lockout shows star forwards continued to cash in while the "middle class" saw its average salary shrink, a trend that could continue in the new CBA.

Blog | Conversation | October 12, 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

No one "wins" in a lockout, but there are some teams and players that are hit harder than others ... and there are a few that might benefit from some extra time off. Craig Custance surveys who might be affected more or less if the NHL shuts its doors.

Blog | Conversation | September 11, 2012