Pierre LeBrun

  (1:57 PM)

Greetings from the home base in Toronto everyone, let's get it going

Gerry (San Francisco, CA)

I realize this time of the season is about the NHL trade deadline, but I need to ask, what is latest news in terms of the NHL realignment process?

Pierre LeBrun

  (1:58 PM)

Gerry, welcome back. No new news on re-alignment at this point. It's going to have to be a CBA matter at this point.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will be in the Stanley Cup Finals this season after the NHL All-Star Break?

Pierre LeBrun

  (1:59 PM)

Chris, so hard to answer that.But at this point I'd go Boston-Vancouver repeat

josh(Anaheim C.a) [via mobile]

hey lebrun do you think the ducks will trade one of there core players before the trade deadline?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:02 PM)

By core if you mean Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf, my sense is that it won't happen before the deadline. I mean, you never know, the Ducks could get a crazy offer they can't refuse, but my sense from talking to teams around the league is that Anaheim believes a better time to make a big move like that is the off-season when more teams can get involved. And by the way, it's not a sure thing they move any of those guys anyway.One big name I'm told remains in play ,however, is Visnovsky

Adam (Toronto)

Hey Pierre, how are the no scoring, no 3rd line depth (Clarkson, Poni), weak defense, no goaltending, sqeak into the playoffs Devils doing now? *silence heard amongst all the ESPN hockey analysts* ..I think all the ESPN analysts should start talking about PITT or PHI squeaking into the playoffs cuz in NJ, we're playing for the #1 seed, not #7 or 8.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:03 PM)

LOL, Devils fans are so sensitve. I was on record in September saying the Devils were playoff-bound. So you can't hang that on me, my friend

Jimbo (Northwest Side Chicago)

Pierre. My Hawks! Is this a normal mid-season slump or is there more to it?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:03 PM)

not normal. Team playing brutally defenseively

Brad (Philadelphia)

Pierre, I know you watch the West more than the East but do you think Philly's injuries and youth is starting to bite them? NJ, Pitt ,2 more veteran teams turning up a notch and may surpass flyers.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:04 PM)

Warms my heart when somebody says that about me. I live in Toronto but I love the Western Conference, haha. I know from talking to people around the league that the Flyers are intent on trying to upgrade on defense with more experience, etc... Hang in there, my guess is they'll be able to pull it off

Matthew (Columbia, NJ)

Pierre: What's going on with the Flyers?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:06 PM)

My concern with them all year _ and they proved me wrong for most of it until now _ was lack of secondary scoring after Giroux's top line.... As much as I know the Flyers need to upgrade on D to help buffer the loss of Pronger, I would like to see them add some forward depth as well if possible. But I'm not sure they're as concerned about that as I am

Ice Ace (Alabama)

Why has the Canucks have the Sedin Twins on different lines?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:07 PM)

Coach Alain Vigneault said he felt the twins were struggling of late _ and the team wasn't playing its best either _ so he was just trying to provide a spark by splitting them up. Won't last.

Greg (Philadelphia)

Pierre, do you think the shootout problems the flyers have aren't a big problem considering there isn't a shootout in playoff hockey?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:07 PM)

Precisely. As long as it doesn't cost a team a playoff spot _ which it has in the past _ I can care less about the shootout and who's good at it and who isn't. Doesn't win you a Cup

Sergei (Madison, WI)

Hi, Pierre! How goes it? First off, I just want to tell the guy, who ranted about the Wings' offense to shut up. Our offense is very good, we just had a little trouble hitting the net on the road, but the chances were there. Having said that, do you think Detroit will set the new record for consecutive home wins during their home stand? I know they MIGHT, I know they COULD, but do YOU think they WILL?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:08 PM)

YES !

Marco (NJ)

I have a two part question if you do not mind. First being, do you think that was a goal in last night's Devils Rangers? It looked like Gaborik tried to avoid but was pushed by Volchenkov. Also after watching the Rangers not score a PP goal I am wondering if the Rangers will try to get someone to run the PP which I dont think will solve their problems anyway. Personally I think Del Zotto is capable and that the system is too stationary for it to work consistently. Thanks.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:09 PM)

Marco, I thought ref made right call on that non-goal. Brodeur needs to have a chance to make the save. Yes Gabby was pushed in, but he still could have made better effort to avoid Marty. Second, yes Rangers on lookout for PP d-man and/or top-six scoring winger

Almeida (Norway)

Former NHL player Ole Kristian Tollefsen says that Nashville Predators is interested in him, but he wants a one-way contract. Do you think he would be a nice fit in Preds? http://www.tv2.no/sport/ishockey/tollefsen-kan-faa-en-ny-nhlsjanse-3699340.htm

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:09 PM)

Almeida, this is news to me. So I can't help you. No clue if it's true

Jeff Carter (Columbus (for now))

Hey Pierre. Does the media realize that my contract doesn?t have the classic ?bogus years? on it, as I will still be in my 30s when it is done. With that cleared up, I should pack my bags expecting to go to Toronto right?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:10 PM)

or LA? :)Will be interesting to see if Columbus can find a taker. Hard to tell at this point

Sergei (Madison, WI)

Since you only answer one question at a time (I've leaned that by seeing you ignore the 2nd part of my 2-part questions) I decided to break them up, hoping you'd answer both separately S'IL VOUS PLAIT! I think that MacDonald played pretty well during the first two games, he only gave up three goals for crying out loud. Why doesn't anyone have any faith in him if he continues to play the way he has so far? I do.....

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:11 PM)

Bottoom line is this: I can't imagine why Detroit would even bother upgrading its backup. The Wings win the Cup with Howard in goal, nobody else

Mike (SJ)

Does Owen Nolan have a shot at the HOF? His career numbers are probably not quite enough (100th all time in scoring - although only 10 players ahead of him had more PIM), but admit it, you wear a goatee just so you can look like him. He was tough as nails, played with his heart on his sleeve and is everything you want a hockey player to be.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:12 PM)

Yeah he'll be one of those guys that's going to have to wait a while if he ever gets in... I admired him as a player thought... but I had a goatee before he did :)

Alex (Anaheim)

Goalie interference! Make it stop!!

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:12 PM)

i don't have that power !

Josh (Pittsburgh)

Hey Pierre. With the trade deadline only about three weeks away. What do you think the Pittsburgh Penguins will do? Will they trade for anyone or probably just keep the group they have? I've heard Hemsky is being targeted. Whats the possibility of that happening?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:13 PM)

told from people around the league that among the long list of names on Pens' search list, Travis Moen and Dominic Moore are on there...

Bill (Toronto)

Who, if anybody, do you think the Habs move at the trade deadline?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:14 PM)

Hall Gill and possibly Travis Moen unless they re-sign him. No talks yet with Moen

Bill (Toronto)

As a Habs fan, I was happy to see Subban mixing it up with Malkin at the end of the game yesterday but one thought perplexed me: Malkin is a big boy that can handle hhimself. Did he need Letang to jump in and take on Subban for him? He would have get huge kudos league wide if he handled it himself...thoughts?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:14 PM)

The way I saw that play unfold, I think Malkin was going to come back at Subban until the moment Letang jumped in. I don't think Malkin has any issue protecting himself

Tyrone (The Lou)

Hi Pierre, seems as if the consensus is that the Blues wait on being a buyer till they see the what Steen and Mcdonald can bring to the table after getting healthy. If just one or neither can return to form, do you see the blues pulling the trigger on someone? if so, who do you think would be targeted?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:16 PM)

You are correct in saying Blues are waiting to see how it unfolds with McDonald/Steen. They could add a forward if one of those two guys doesn't come back or isn't playing at right level... but you have to also consider this factor: the Blues are on a strict budget due to ownership issues. If they make a trade, it can't be to take on too much money

Tyler (Toronto)

Pierre, every year you hear trade talk surrounding the Leafs and that elusive number one center, and it never materializes. Will this year be any different?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:17 PM)

Those guys don't grow on trees, my frend. I don't think they get a No. 1 center before this deadline, no. But they might find a forward with size.

Matt (Chicago, IL)

I love Morrow as a player and a captain but he's always hurt and now he's on IR for the 3rd time this season. How much of a future does he have in Dallas if he can't stay healthy? I want him to stay but I don't want Dallas to use up a roster spot on someone who only plays 2/3 of the season every year.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:19 PM)

well I can't see him moving before this deadline given that he's hurt again...

christian gendron (Montreal)

Salut Pierre.LA Kings need offensive weapons and why not trading Bernier when is value still high?..Quick carry 85% of Kings duties and a former 1st rounder "Bernier" always bring a lots of attention.Also do you think Habs center Thomas Plekanec value is good enough for desperated teams?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:20 PM)

The Kings' front office loves, I mean, loves Bernier.... they'd only move him if it's a major, major upgrade offensively...

Marek Zidlicky (Minnesota)

Pierre, when will I be dealt to the NY Rangers? I am a victim of the system here in Minnesota and I want out!

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:21 PM)

Am told Rangers are not interested in you sir, sorry

david (nj)

how impressive are the devils of late? 2 wins over the rangers, 1 over flyers and pens and you can chuck in the habs winyou look at the eastern standings and the atlantic is very strong, and 2 points seperate 4-6 all held by the atlantic division, how strong is the atlantic? the only division that rivals the atl is the centralits going to be one exciting finish!

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:22 PM)

Thing I like the most about the Devils are just how much fun they are to watch. That's certainly not a comment you would have made about them over the years, but this is an incredibly entertaining team. And they're for real.

Nick (Arizona)

Hey Pierre, do you see the organization taking home the cup this year coming from the Western conference? most likely coming from the ultra competitive central divison?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:23 PM)

Nick, the West is stronger again this year in terms of the depth of elite teams, but that doesn't mean anything when it comes to the Stanley Cup finals. The East almost always sends a terrific team to the final even if they have fewer eliete teams on their side.

Bruce (Detroit)

Pierre - six game home stand coming up and hopefully adding some big time points in the standings for my Wings and reports that Howard may be back on Friday. What are you hearing? I say we still look for a back-up at the deadline to be safe.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:25 PM)

I spoke with Ken Holland yesterday and he felt Howard wouldn't be out long.... was hoping for perhaps Sunday at the earliest but it's going to depend on how Howard feels over the next few days... he's going to play with the finger not fully healed when he returns so it really depends on pain threshold for Howard when he does feel ready to return

Erin (Detroit, MI)

Pierre; What are the Red Wings to do about the goaltending situation??? The Wings need a reliable backup for Jimmy, and I do not see MacDonald or Conklin carrying the load while he remains sidelined with a broken finger. Maybe Nabokov? What are your thoughts?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:27 PM)

I answered this before but I should also add that Garth Snow told me today he has no intention of moving Nabokov, FYI...I guess if Isles fall out of it in two weeks one would think he'd change his mind, but that's how Snow feels right now given that his team still has a chance at making the playoffs as it stands today

Don (Columbus, OH)

Hi Pierre- So I am a frustrated Hawks fan. Their D and G is awful. I keep hearing about adding a dman, but is there any team out there that has a Goalie that might become available? We chatted a few months back and Brodeur was mentioned as a possibility but the Devils are playing much better now. Please help ease my pain.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:29 PM)

here's what Stan Bowman told my ESPN colleague Craig Custance yesterday about trading for a goalie:"No. I always tell people Corey is a young guy and you don't lose your talent in a matter of a few months. He was great the first six weeks of the year and then struggled a bit," Bowman said. "He came in last year and played really well. It wasn't a fluke. He played 35 games in a row, the playoffs, pressure situations and he was dynamite. It's one of those things guys go through. We'll work with him."No having said that, I doubt Bowman would ever come out and announce he's looking for a goalie, that would undermine Crawford/Emery..... Still, that's what Bowman said above...I suppose if Crawford hasn't come around two weeks from now... maybe Bowman re-visits that thought...

gwjab (Buffalo)

When will the NHL scrap its current system for awarding points (wins/losses) and go back to a fairer and more logical system? I've heard some people suggesting 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for a shootout win, and 1 pt for a overtime/shootout loss, but why overhaul the whole system and skew the record books when its really unnecessary. Common sense says that a regulation/OT win is 2 pts, ANY loss is zero pts, and a shootout win (which is just a gimmick to eliminate ties) should be just 1 pt. Your thoughts ?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:31 PM)

yes I created a bit of a stir on twitter the other day when I suggested going to 3 pts for reg time victory... I don't like the current system either and have said so for a few years nowbut NHL likes current system because it (artificially) keeps the standings close

JimH (miami, fl)

Will the Panthers be able to acquire a legitimate scoring threat before the deadline? Anyone in particular they might get? After last night's debacle it's obvious they need SOMEthing.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:32 PM)

Panthers source says they want to get some bodies back first and then see how they fare before deciding whether they need to add

Christian T (New Jersey)

Thoughts on the no goal in the Rangers - Devils game? I thought it was the right call to wave the goal off. Maybe not a penalty but that late in the game that's a mute point. But I'm biased so what do I know

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:33 PM)

agreed with the call

Owen (Berkeley)

I feel the Devils have the forwards and goalie to make a good playoff run. Can the D (maybe with a modest upgrade) hold up its end of the deal? And do you agree with the premise? Thanks

Joe Thornton (San Jose, CA)

Pierre, mi amor. What are you getting me to celebrate our bromance for Valentines Day? Hopefully you didn't spend all your budget on those little heart shaped candies for Nicklas Lidstrom.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:33 PM)

my real concern is actually 3/4 lines... would like to see Lou add a bit there

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:34 PM)

Spending my whole budget on Claude Giroux :)LOL LOL

John Tavares (Long Island)

Pierre, even though my team probably is not playoff bound and the other two are....am I the best hockey player in the NY/NJ area right now? That includes a certain goalie in Manhattan and the 100 million dollar man across the river....

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:34 PM)

Might take Zach Parise over all of the above :)

Zach Williams (Nashua NH )

In your opinion who is better at this point in time in the NHL. The Capitals or the Bruins?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:35 PM)

The B's, mon ami

Spencer (Philadelphia)

John Tavares is one of the most talented and promising young stars in the NHL. However, in the area of media attention, he's not even in the Top 20. If he stays hot, does he have a shot at MVP this year?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:35 PM)

I doubt he'd have a shot at the Hart but I totally agree he's one the rising superstars in this league. Love his game. He's grown by leaps and bounds this season. The REAL DEAL.

brendan (rhode island)

how far do you think the penguins can go in the playoffs if Crosby does not return and who do you think the pens will try and add at the trade deadline to bolster their roster for the playof push?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:36 PM)

I don't think they can win the Cup wihtout a healhty Crosby.They can win a round or two without him, but not go all the way in my opinion

Marcus (TN)

Who do you think the Preds can pick up in the next few weeks?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:38 PM)

Going to be an interesting few weeks for sure for Nashville, given their decision on Suter... I know they like Ales Hemsky but not sure they're willing to pay big price for him.... certainly a top-six forward is in the cards and I wouldn't be suprised if they loooked at a d-man as well... lots of cap room and they want to take a run at it this spring

A (Vancouver)

What do you think of the current Canucks's losing streak? Will it get better? or worst?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:40 PM)

Um, the Canucks have won 2 straight :)

Jeff (Clearwater)

Which of Tampa's Defensemen get moved before the trade deadline?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:41 PM)

Brett Clark and possibly Pavel Kubina... they're both UFA July 1... Kubina, however, has a limited NTC which allows him to live 5 teams to Yzerman in which he'd agreed to move to...

Bryan (Chicago)

Hey Pierre - excluding the FLA/WSH southeast battle, which team outside the top 8 in the eastern conference has the best chance to make the playoffs?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:44 PM)

I'd say Phoenix

Doug (Washington DC)

What do you think about the Isles re-signing Frans Nielsen? Is P.A. next? Will free agents start to see that playing on Long Island isn't the life-suck that the media makes it out to be?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:45 PM)

Talks are ongoing I'm told between Isles and Parenteau's agent... not close to a deal at this point but things can change

The Second Gunman (Grassy Knoll)

Pierre, do you have any further news on the investigation of the clock controversy in LA? Everybody knows the scorekeeper holding the clock with the home team down by 1 or tied with an offensive zone faceoff in the waning seconds is the oldest trick in the book! This happened in one of my college playoff games which led to a bench clearing brawl and both coaches and fans verbally attacking the (female) home scorekeeper until she had to get escorted out of the arena by security. So no laughing matter. Not to mention that one point may decide the Pacific Division and mean the difference between home ice advantage or a first round matchup at Detroit or Vancouver. But good thing Dean Lombardi got his degree in electrical engineering.....

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:46 PM)

All I can tell you is that the league has interviewed most of the people involved... not sure when a decision will be announced

Doug (Washington DC)

Don't the Isles have to either re-sign Nabokov or trade him at the deadline for whatever they can get? A rebuilding team like the Islanders can't afford to get nothing for a valuable guy like him.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:48 PM)

well my sense is that they want to keep him as long as they're in the race... if they fall out... then you're right, sign him or trade him

Garrett Kolodziej (Clarkston, MI)

How do you think this two venue plan for the 2013 Winter Classic in Detroit will go over? As a Red Wings fan I am curious

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:49 PM)

Personally, I'm happy, because I like staying in downtown Detroit, more to do there. As you know, it's all about the media :)

Andrew (Scranton, PA)

What do the Flyers do at the deadline to re-energize the team?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:50 PM)

they're on the lookout for a d-man

Mark (St. Louis)

Are you predicting there will be some sort of work stoppage next season? If so, for how long?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:51 PM)

Impossible to predict if there will be a work stoppage or not. Even NHLPA and NHL officals can't predict that.But one thing I can tell you: league wants to drop players' share down from 57 percent of HRR. Players who't move easily off that... going to be some tough negotiations

Mike Gillis (Roger's Arena)

howdy Pierre! My Canucks are winning, but struggling to find to hit peak form after the all-star break. What can I legitimately get for Cory Schneider to put this team over the top? I mean, yes, Cory Schneider is a great insurance should Roberto studders, but in reality, I rather convert that asset to a player which can help me win the cup right now. So, in your opinion, who is interested in Cory Schneider and who will be the best return fit for my Canucks?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:51 PM)

My opinion, Mike, is that you should wait until the off-season to figure out what you're doing in goal

Eric (Tampa)

Steve Yzerman needs to get Nabokov and needed to do it yesterday. Lightning have the offensive firepower to make a run with some decent goaltending

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:52 PM)

I think you saw what I said earlier about Snow telling me he has no intention to move Nabokov at this point...

Dan (LA)

Will the Kings make any moves? Who is most valuable trade asset that is expendable?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:54 PM)

they are certainly looking hard at what they can do to upgrade their top-six forward group, notably on the wings

Jeffory (Calgary)

Howdy Pierre. Great to see you on TSN up here in Canada now. Fantastic job as always. My question to you is in regards to the LA Kings. A bit of a silent killer if you ask me. Who do you think they bring in at the deadline.. Im thinking Jeff Carter.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:54 PM)

thank Jeffory.Well I know they've discussed the merits of Carter internally. Not sure whether or not they're sold on the idea though...

Matt (NYC)

Hey Pierre, thanks for doing this. Do you foresee the Rangers trying to make a big splash for an impact forward either at the deadline or over the off-season? They have too much depth as it is so adding a depth player seems almost illogical at this point.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:55 PM)

Matt, they'd like to add PP d-man and/or scoring winger, yes.... but can they do it?

Tim (Boston)

I see Neil Greenberg wrote a column today arguing for Patrice Bergeron for the Selke Award. It's about time you paid him enough to do it!

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:55 PM)

haha, I've been saying it for a while !

Rich (Philly)

Pierre- Vegas has the Bruins with best odds of winning Cup. You always put the B's in 1st or 2nd, but Scott doesn't even think they are the 5th best team. Are you and Vegas wrong?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:56 PM)

I'm wrong plenty :)

Garrett Kolodziej (Clarkston, MI)

Hey Pierre. What do you think the Red Wings do at the trade deadline? Suter is too much money and prospects, but gives the Red Wings a Lidstrom-esque player for the future.

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:56 PM)

can't imagine Nashville trading Suter within division. That would shock me

Bryan (Chicago)

Hey Pierre - I realize the Isles don't get much respect (deservedly so) but if Nabby can stay hot do you see Snow turning away other GMs inquiring about his availability and the Isles making a push at the playoffs (ultimately coming up short)? The fan base needs meaningful games in March!

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:57 PM)

yes as I said earlier, if the Isles stay in the race, Snow's intention is to keep Nabby

Travis (Vancouver, BC)

Are the Hawks looking for a D-man to supplant Leddy in the top-4 or just to supply depth for the bottom pair? What are your thoughts on Leddy's play thus far?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:57 PM)

When I've asked Bowman that question, he said third-pairing defenseman is what they're looking for

Don (Saskatchewan)

Pierre, There has been lot's of speculation about the Habs Hal Gill and Travis Moen. But what about Andrei Kostitsyn? Also a UFA, has size, skill although a little enigmatic. Could he be moved? Maybe to a team like the Kings, or the Preds?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:59 PM)

great point, Don.He could certainly be moved given his UFA status, but I must admit I haven't heard his name mentioned much at all in my conversations with teams around the league

Bob (Pittsburgh)

Pierre, all the teams in the east that dont win the division have to want the number 6 seed right?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:59 PM)

that would be my guess, yes

Mike (SJ)

If Gordie Howe plays in the Alumni game for the Winter Classic, will he set the record for the longest standing ovation when he gets introduced?

Pierre LeBrun

  (2:59 PM)

God bless him, a great man

Owen (Berkeley)

Pierre-- how's life? Please confirm my homerism: the play at the end of the thrilling Devils-Rangers game was called correctly, yes? Maybe not blatant, but that call has to be made. Agree?

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:00 PM)

agreed

Pierre LeBrun

  (3:00 PM)

OK cool cats, gotta run. Enjoyed your company again this week. Sorry for all the question I didn't get to. There were a lot !