Where Patrick Kane lands, Gary Bettman’s future, and Houston expansion?

American Thanksgiving marks the first-quarter point of most teams’ schedules, allowing us to gain more insight into their performance. This October and November have been unexpectedly turbulent for many of even the strongest Stanley Cup contenders, with some poor teams performing abysmally. Welcome to Part 1 of the November edition of the reader mailbag – let’s dive right in.

Question: To hell with the rumors, what does your gut tell you about where Patrick Kane will land? — Bill S.
Answer: My gut instinct is with the Florida Panthers. This decision is based on various factors, both on and off the ice – such as Kane’s recent hip surgery, his desire to settle with his family on a competitive team, and his preference for a warm-weather climate, conducive to his recovery and free movement.

Question: What is your perception/your sources’ perception of how active/aggressive the Devils are at improving the goalie situation? — Lee B.
Answer: It is rare for teams to make significant goalie changes midseason, and the New Jersey Devils appear committed to their current goalie pair for the year. Vitek Vanecek’s three-year contract provides flexibility for a reevaluation in the future, and the young Akira Schmid shows promise for the team.

Question: Is it too early to start believing in what the Blues have done so far this season (in terms of making the playoffs)? — Michael P.
Answer: It is still early to form definitive conclusions about the Blues’ playoff potential. Their inconsistent performance and weaknesses in power play and offensive production need to be addressed for a stronger position in the Western Conference standings.

Question: At some point, Gary Bettman is going to step down as the commissioner. Is there the possibility that the powers that be go in a different direction in terms of league stewardship? Who would you like to see as possibilities to reform the leadership? — Stephen H.
Answer: Leadership succession within the NHL is complex, with the potential for a change in direction or an extension of the status quo. Bill Daly is a possible internal candidate for Bettman’s eventual replacement, while my ideal scenario envisions a shift towards a more hockey-centric approach with figures like Paul Kariya and Ken Dryden at the helm.

Question: Why is the league so against having eight, four-team divisions? The top team in each division makes the playoffs (no home ice guarantee). And back to the one-through-eight seeding. — Daniel L.
Answer: The NHL’s current division and playoff structure reflects historical developments and expansions within the league, indicating a resistance to an eight-division model. The preference for the current setup may stem from the desire to maintain a balance between divisional competition and traditional seeding methods.

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.