Chat with Pierre LeBrun

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Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, ESPN.com's NHL writer Pierre LeBrun will stop by to chat about the NHL offseason.

Based in Toronto, LeBrun joined ESPN in September 2008 after spending 13 years with The Canadian Press as its national hockey columnist. LeBrun was also a contributor to Rogers Sportsnet and a regular guest on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada."

Send your questions for now and join LeBrun in The Show on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET!

More Pierre LeBrun: Blog | Search | Chats

Mark (Charlotte, NC)


Spotlights on: Who wins the Vezina Trophy next year?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:04 PM)


Roberto Luongo

Mark (Charlotte, NC)


Avs pick 3rd overall, Hedman and Tavares are gone, do you go for a Goaltender given issues there (very risky) or go with a forward who can take the reins from Sakic and be the face of the franchise down the road?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:05 PM)


Matt Duchene clearly the guy you have to pick at No. 3 after Tavares and Hedman

Mikko (FIN)


Hello Pierre! Which of the Penguins free agents do you think will be coming back next year? I certainly hope Scuderi is one of them...

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:06 PM)


I think Guerin will stay. Scuderi is a tough call. This is his chance to make his most money in his career. And Pitt can't afford to give him that. Either he stays in Pitts for hometown discount or hits the market and gets the best deal possible

David (Maryland)


What are the chances that Dany Heatley will be traded by the NHL Entry Draft?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:08 PM)


Spoke with Sens GM Bryan Murray today and he says teams are beginning to heat up in their pursuit but still hasn't got the offer he's looking for. I asked Murray if Friday, because of the first round, is some kind of deadline, and Murray told me not necessarily. He said the real deadline was July 1 when Heatley is due a $4-million bonus. If Ottawa has to pay that bonus, they're keeping him.But I think there's chance Heatley will move this week

Nick Hamden (Chapel Hill, NC)


In the first round of the draft, if for some reason 28 other teams pass up Robin Lehner, do you think the Wings will try and grab him? They are still working on building a new franchise goalie, and he seems to have everything good going for him. Good stats and he is Swedish, sounds like the perfect man for Detroit.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:09 PM)


No clue Nick, one thing I am not is a draft expert. Other guys in my business, like Gare Joyce (a frequent ESPN.com contributor) and TSN's Bob McKenzie are draft gurus. I focus my efforts on the business of the NHL. Once the kids make the NHL, then I get to know them :)

Rod Scuderi (Pittsburgh, PA)


Pierre, how did you like my goal line stand in Game 6? If you were me, would you take a hometown discount to stay in Pitt and try to repeat (aka pull an Orpik) or take my one time shot at big money for a defensive D and sign an inflated deal with a bad team that may have severe ownership/relocation issues (aka pull a Malone)?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:09 PM)


Stay where you won your ring buddy

Jesse S. (Carmel, NY)


Pierre, can you explain why it is a foregone conclusion that the Sedin twins have to sign with the same team for the same exact amount of money. I understand they are identical twins, but they are not siamese twins!! A combined 24 years and 144 million seems like a lot to ask of one team for essentially two of the same player.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:11 PM)


Strangely enough, their offensive numbers are nearly identical in their careers, especialy post-lockout. Don't have them on hand but I think they're within five points of each other since the lockout. It's freakish. So yes, they will earn the same money wherever they land

Jonny (Livonia, MI)


Hey Pierre, you think that Ozzie will be voted into the hall some day when he retires; and will I be seeing his name in the rafters at JLA in the future (or maybe a new stadium)?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:12 PM)


I think he deserves to get in. His body of work ranks him among the best goalies.

Phillip (PHX)


Please tell me the coyotes are staying... heard anything new?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:13 PM)


White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is preparing a bid and could soon be the owner of the team, keeping them in Phoenix. But the story changes daily...

Jesse S. (Carmel, NY)


Pierre, if you were a team in need of a big time defenceman (Flyers, Blues, Oilers, etc.) would you rather try to sign Bouwmeester or trade for Pronger? One is a proven winner, the other is a lot younger.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:14 PM)


I think if you're a team that's building and on the way up, and intends to contend for several years, then it's Bouwmeester because he's only 25. But if you're a team that wants to win right now, it's Pronger _ the guy is a playoff warrior

Josh (Nashville)


With so much Hall of Fame talk today, who do you think are the next three goaltenders to get into the HOF?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:16 PM)


Tom Barrasso, Mike Richter and ... Marty Brodeur when he's ready

Dom (Columbus)


what do you see the columbus blue jackets doing to improve and make it to the cup?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:17 PM)


The pressing issue in Columbus right now is signing franchise player Rick Nash to an extention. He's one year away from unresricted free agency and as of July 1 is allowed to sign an extension with Columbus. The Jackets really, really want to get that done

Pat (Grand Rapids MI)


Is there anything in your mind that could in any way keep Steve Yzerman from being elected to the hall.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:17 PM)


No. Impossible.

Tom (Houston)


With all of the injuries last year it seemed like Crosby was playing with the call up of the week for over half the season. Given the current salary cap situation and the escalating contracts for the Crosby, Malkin, Staal, and Fleury do you think that this will be a yearly situation we see repeated over and over again?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:18 PM)


I think as long as the Penguins remain 3-star deep at center, it will be hard to find suitable wingers for any oft hose centers under the cap. That's just math and reality.

Charlie St Clair (Hickory, NC)


Hi Pierre,I asked Scott Burnside yesterday about Heatley and my Senators. Do you have any thoughts on whether Ottawa can move up in the draft? I would prefer they get another forward but wouldn't complain about defense.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:20 PM)


Only thing I can tell you is that Sens GM Bryan Murray told me today some of the offers include a draft pick and others don't...

Loup (ATL)


Hello Pierre, Any new news on the Coyotes? Out of curiosity, without a (willing) owner, how can they conduct any business at all? Can they re-sign RFAs or potential UFAs? Could they even consider looking at a UFA after July 1st? All they seem to have done so far is trade a player they weren't likely to resign (Reinprecht deal)

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:21 PM)


It's business as usual for Coyotes GM Don Maloney but he has to run everything through NHL deputy commish Bill Daly. For example, Daly OK'd the Reinprecht deal

Brandon (Toronto)


And the most likely superstar to be traded draft day is....?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:21 PM)


Dany Heatley

Keith (Pa)


What do you see Washington doing this offseason to build towards a championship?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:21 PM)


Help on the blue-line

Keith (Pa)


Where do you see the Sedin twins going?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:22 PM)


Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Minnesota are my four favorites

Keith (Pa)


Where does Gaborik end up?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:23 PM)


My guess would be Vancouver to go play with Slovak buddy Pavol Demitra

Bob Gainey (Montreal)


I don't feel the rush to sign anymore player. You need what 14-15 players on a hockey team? I'll be there before July 1st

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:23 PM)


The cap is going down in 2010-11 Bob, you're in a good spot not to have too many contracts !

Mike (San Jose)


Will Sergei Makarov ever get in the Hall of Fame? I know he was close a few years back, but there hasn't been an open slot in a few years now and Sergei is quite deserving. Watching him play for the Sharks in 93-94, he and Larionov almost single handedly beat the Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs (boy, could the Sharks use players like that now). And this was at the end of Makarov's career. Watching replays of the 1980 Olympics, he was hands down the best player on the ice. The fact that most of his prime years were spent in the old USSR leagues should not keep him out...

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:24 PM)


He's a guy I'd like to see in one day. As you may know, I was a huge Larionov backer. It's the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL Hall of Fame

Louis (Montreal)


When will we know what happens with the cap?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:25 PM)


The NHL and NHLPA will announce the 2009-10 salary cap on June 30, on the eve of the July 1 start of free agency. It's likely going to be in the $56-million range again

Craig (Norwich, CT)


How different, if at all, will the Bruins' roster look next season?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:26 PM)


I think they'd like to add a top-four D, that's their No. 1 off-season goal, and Manny Fernandez is gone, replaced by Tukka Rask as the backup to Tim Thomas

Joe (Pittsburgh)


Pierre, what are your thoughts on Handshake-Gate? Isn't a shame that it's overshadowing what was a great series?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:27 PM)


Way overblown, Nick Lidstrom told me the same thing last week in Vegas. Let's all move on

Bob (Pittsburgh)


Other than the Heatley stuff, do you foresee any other big trades at the draft?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:28 PM)


Keep an eye on the Ducks. They could move either Giguere or Pronger

steven (new york)


your thoughts on the rangers upcoming off season, you see them trading a gomez or drury to free up cap space to get a GOAL SCORER. They need one very badly.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:28 PM)


I know the Rangers have called Ottawa about Heatley but they've got major cap issues right now. I also know the rangers have called a couple of teams to see about their interest in Gomez...

Mark (New York)


Who will wind up with Dany Heatley? Any chance the Rangers can ship Chris Drury and a pick for Heatley?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:29 PM)


Rangers, Kings, Wild, Oilers are among the teams in the mix from what I was told today

Jeff ((Wings fan in Boston))


I'd hate to lose Hossa, but I am not sure I like the idea of another 10-11 year contract on the Wings' books. Let Hossa walk. Sign Hudler to a Hockeytown discount and go after Chad LaRose. What do you think?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:29 PM)


Personally, I wouldn't sign Hossa if I'm Detroit. The Wings have lots of offensive depth without him and he didn't have a good playoff

Larry (New York)


Hey Pierre, are the Flyers going to trade for Bouwmeester's rights?...sounds like they might trade gagne, lupul or briere to free up the cap room

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:30 PM)


Let's put it this way _ I know they're in love with Bouwmeeester. Let the cards fall where hey may from that sentiment

Seymour (Ottawa)


Any truth to the whispers that Heatley may end up in California, for Corey Perry and the duck's pick?As a sens fan, I would happily take that.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:30 PM)


I'd be shocked if the Ducks moved Corey Perry. Shocked.

Joe (Pittsburgh)


Pierre, thanks for your NHL coverage. Do you think Detroit-Pittsburgh will be a good rivalry for years to come? Or is it too hard to sustain a rivalry between teams in opposite conferences?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:31 PM)


Tough to have rivalry when you play only twice a year. But if they meet in Cup finals again, that would be intense for sure

Bob (Pittsburgh)


Will there be any compensation for Brent Sutter coaching the Flames?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:33 PM)


Glad you asked that question Bob. There no longer is compensation for coaches or GMs or any team personel changing teams. Once a team like New Jersey gives Calgary clearance to talk to their guy, that's it. The NHL changed the rules on this a few year ago after the controversy between Ottawa and Boston over Peter Charielli's departure

Bob Gainey (Montreal)


Less then 10 days before July 1st and I haven't signed anybody. Will I be able to field a complete team by September?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:33 PM)


Yes. Will it be any good? Now that's the better question

JB (San Francisco, CA)


Thornton to Heatley would be amazing, no? yes the sharks would have to trade some young guys and take his awful contract but in the end it would be beautiful to see so many one-timers.... i mean the sharks arent gonna win anyway amiright! might as well make it a entertaining regular season LOL

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:34 PM)


I think the Sharks want to keep Thornton. But they've move Marleau

Joe (LA)


Pierre do you see the kings making many moves this summer?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:37 PM)


yes. They are trying hard at making some waves

aj (buffalo,ny)


is brian gionta in a sabres uniform possible next year? he is from rochester and is another veteran the sabres need...

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:37 PM)


They are already a fairly small team up front however...

Doug (NYC)


For the Isles, can you please place probabilities on the following occuring:1. they take Tavares2. they take Hedman3. they take Duchene4. they trade out of the top spot

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:38 PM)


I spoke with Garth Snow yesterday and he gave me zero hint as to what he's going to do. My guess? He drafts Tavares

Jack (Toronto)


Does Brian Burke legitimately stand a chance to move up for Tavares? What would he have to do?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:39 PM)


His only chance at Tavares is if the Islanders draft Hedman or Duchene at number 1. Then Tampa can dangle their Number 2 pick at Toronto

Joe (NY)


Do you think Chris Chelios should step aside and retire? He ice-time has gone down significantly and he is depriving a young kid the chance to play in the NHL. Would he be better suited being a coach or mentor to these young kids instead of a player?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:39 PM)


But I'll tell you this having seen him without equipment on during these playoffs, the man is in amazing shape for 47

Sean (NJ)


Hi Pierre thanks for the time. I am wondering if there is anything new on the Jay Bo front from the Panthers? Last I heard they were trying to trade him? How does that work with him being a Free Agent can't he just walk? I thought that was all part of the gamble of trying to make the playoffs?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:41 PM)


If a team makes it worth their while, a popular thing in recent years has been to trade the rights to a pending UFA. For example, Toronto traded ther rights to Mats Sundin last year on the Friday night of the draft. That gave the Habs sole rights to Sundin for about 10 days or so before he hit the market July 1. The Panthers might very well do the same with Bouwmeester so that a suitor can get a head start on the rest of the field

John (Portland, OR)


Pierre, I've enjoyed your comments during the whole year. Do you think that Jaromir Jagr would be a force, if he was back playing in NHL?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:42 PM)


He's in the twilight of his career but I would appreciate his sense of humor being back on this side of the ocean :)

Philip (Philadelphia)


FINALLY, a NHL chat. Haven't had one in a while. Two questions about the Flyers: Is Emery going to be on his best behavior this season and what's the chances Jay Bouwmeester's rights are traded to Philly on draft night?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:43 PM)


yes Emery has promised to be on his best behavior and yes I thinkt he Flyers will try to get Bouwmeester's rights

Clint (Detroit)


What are the chances that we see hossa back with the wings next year?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:43 PM)


Decent

Brandon (Toronto)


I really should have worded that question...non-Dany Heatley! Touche on that one Mr. Lebrun.So after Dany, who is the most likely big name to move?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:44 PM)


Vincent Lecavalier

Joe (NY)


Will the NHL make a "Ken Holland" rule and make it tougher for teams front-load contracts especially if the later years could go lower then the league minimum?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:46 PM)


They will try do so in the next CBA but the NHLPA will have a say in that

Jason (Denver)


Are the Avs going to eventually embarrass themselves in 5 years when Patrick Roy gets fired as head coach to hire Joe Sakic?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:46 PM)


The Avs have already embarassed themsevlves

TC (Pittsburgh)


In all fairness, do you think it's about time the NHL spent some time working with the players to make the awards show something less than a trainwreck to watch?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:47 PM)


I thought Vegas was a big step up over Toronto

Benny ((Orlando))


What would the Rangers have to do to acquire Dany Heatley? Who would you ship out if anyone was an option?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:48 PM)


They would need to get ride of major cap issues... ie Gomez, Drury or Redden

Ryan Malone (Pittsburgh.. err.. I mean Tampa Bay)


How in the world can I get back on the Pens? Is it possible?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:48 PM)


Sorry bud, you're too expensive

RAY GORDON REID ( BLOOMIMNGTON INDIANA 47402)


QUESTION TO PIERRE LEBRUN 2.40 HI LE PIERRE CAN MY BLACKHAWKS WIN THERE DIVISON NEXT YEAR

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:50 PM)


STILL NOT SURE THEY CAN BEAT DETROIT BUT IT"LL BE CLOSE

Robin (Toronto)


When the dust settles is Gretzky still the coach of the Coyotes? I know there was a report a while back saying if Reinsdorf bought the team he was gone.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:50 PM)


yes he will be coach

Robin (Toronto)


Thoughts on the Sedin twins contract asking price? Can any team afford them both and are they willing and ready to go to separate teams?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:51 PM)


I thought a $5.3 average cap hit was pretty cheap actually

Louis (Montreal)


If a player signed to a 13 years contract retires after 8 years, does his salary count against the cap for the remaining 5 years?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:51 PM)


nope.Only players that are 35 and over when they sign their contracts have their entire deals count against the cap

Tom (Houston)


Does Marc Andre-Fleury now get at least a shout and not a snicker in the Team Canada discussions for goaltender? I mean he's basically 30-18 in the playoffs over the last 3 seasons?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:52 PM)


Wouldn't surprise me if he at least got a training camp invite for August

Joe (NY)


Did Mike Green deserve more consideration for the Norris than Chara since he had one of the strongest offensive seasons by a blueliner in a long time.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:52 PM)


no

Philip (Philadelphia)


The biggest name moved at the deadline will be...?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:54 PM)


Kinda early to be talkin about the March trade deadline, isn't it?

concerned caps fan (dc)


Do the Caps have the right mentality to go deep into the playoffs and win a Cup? I fear them being a ridiculously exciting team for years to come but without any postseason success. Does Ovie provide enough leadership on the defensive end to get this done? Crosby and Malkin and all Detroit's stars seem to get it that forwards have to work just as hard defensively, and I fear Ovie doesn't do that. Am I crazy, or overreacting?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:54 PM)


It's a good question. But I think next season will be their breakthrough

Ryan (St. Louis)


What team will Hull enter the Hall of Fame with?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:55 PM)


It's not baseball, you don't ''enter" with any team. Just yourself.

Rob (Pittsburgh, PA)


There was a lot of talk during the playoffs about Team Canada's goalie for the 2010 Olympics. Who do you think is most deserving?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:56 PM)


Luongo and Brodeur remain 1-2 no matter what anybody says

Mark (New York)


Early favorite for medals in 2010? Have to think Russia is the favorite for gold.

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:57 PM)


Russia, Canada and Sweden are the three heavy favorites

Doug (NYC)


If YOU were Garth Snow, who would you take at #1?

Pierre LeBrun
  (2:58 PM)


Tavares.OK folks, I'm off to Montreal tomorrow for the draft. See ya

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