I have been terrible at doing these the last few months, but I'm back and I promise consistency and quality.
These mailbags should entail everything - From my takes on players to things I hear, see or know about hockey. Not only the KHL of course, my eyes and ears are wide-open for the NHL and IIHF as well.
If you have any other burning questions - you can ask me in the comments or... just find me on twitter and do it there.
Here we go:
You said that after Caps management visited Samsonov in Russia that they stayed behind to “shop… around the KHL. Do you know who they were looking at? If not, have any good guesses? Thanks as always.
— Luke Adomanis (@LukeAdomanis) January 30, 2018
What’s going to be the return for Evander Kane? Do you think ROR gets traded?
— Justin Dubay (@akjdubay1) January 30, 2018
My answer
While it won't be what it has been reported (1st/2nd round pick, A/B level prospect and a roster player), the return will be still huge and most likely bring you more than what is expected by many. It really comes down to the trading partner. As for Ryan O'Reilly I don't believe that he will be traded before the deadline unless GMBOT's socks are blown off.
What % chance do you think Voynov has of returning to the NHL next year? How likely?
— Antoine Ste-Marie (@theTronTweets) January 30, 2018
My answer
If National Hockey League allows him to return and play in the league he will be lucky to have that chance. But we have to remember that league isn't the only one that has to clear Voynov. Getting a new working VISA will be hard and it's important to note that Voynov is the one who wants to come back, not LA Kings or any other organization willing to bring him back. I would say chances are slim.
Will Ilya Samsonov be coming to North America next year?
— Mark (@HockeyShrader8) January 30, 2018
My answer For this one I have to answer with another question - What do you think, did your GM do good enough job to assure Samsonov signs his contract with Capitals? (The answer is - Yes.) Samsonov will sign with the Washington Capitals as soon as he hits free agency.
Is Antipin not NHL caliber, or are the Sabres trying to jam a square peg into a round hole?
— Pat Madia (@patmadia) January 30, 2018
For the record, it wouldn't be the first time
My answer Viktor Antipin is NHL caliber, unfortunately for him, his coach doesn't seem to be a fan of puck-moving d-man. This has been a thing I have talked about so much that I won't even bother anymore. Success or lack of success by Victor Antipin is on Phil Housley and his coaching staff. They are not giving him enough credit.
What's your feeling about Nichuskin coming back with the Stars next year. ?
— Mathieu Paradis (@mat_paradis) January 31, 2018
My answer I'd say that there is a very good chance of him coming back, however it's up to Stars front office to convince him that it will be worth it.
@A_Kalnins Kovalchuk has stated he will likely return to the NHL next season. What team(s) do you see being the front runners to land him?
— Steven Osherow (@Steven_Osherow) January 31, 2018
My answer I get this asked a lot, and I have to say that it won't be much different from what it was prior to this season - New York Rangers are expected to be in the mix. Pretty much the same bunch with MAYBE few additions.