Dump and Chase is a new bi-monthly mailbag by Sporting News answering all your NHL, draft, prospects and hockey-related questions. You dump the questions, we'll chase the answers.
The leaves are falling and snow has already been spotted across North America, which can only mean one thing — hockey season is in full effect. However, it seems fans are already clamoring for answers that may not be fully figured out until the calendar turns 2020.
Sporting News' experts weigh in on your burning questions in this edition of our new mailbag, Dump and Chase.
@A_Cherry: What’s the likelihood Hall stays in jersey?
I'd say it's 50/50 for Taylor Hall staying in New Jersey. The Devils have the cap space to re-sign him but it's down to whether he believes his long-term future is with them. He's only been to the playoffs once in his career and wants a shot at the Stanley Cup. If the Devils fail to right the ship and fall further out of playoff contention, the more likely he could opt to test next summer's UFA market. — Lyle Richardson
@ash_glover_89: Out of (Justin) Barron and (Jeremie) Porièr which defenseman will likely make it into the top 10? My bet is Porièr rises. He's been sensational so far.
It’s early, but I don’t think either one has done enough to overtake Erie’s Jamie Drysdale or those elite forwards in order to crack a very competitive top 10 for this year’s draft. Barron is an excellent one-on-one and positional defenseman, and Porier is a smooth-skating playmaker, and although I think both will go in the first round, it should be after that elite top tier. — Steve Kournianos
The Lineup: Pastrnak vs. Draisaitl, Tavares' return, red-hot Isles and more in the week of Nov. 4
@ChrisHowdy: Will Carlson finally win the Norris?
From just the start of this year, it’s easy to say that John Carlson's making a strong case. Sure, his numbers are outstanding on the scoresheet; he has seven goals and 23 points in 16 games. He’s playing with more responsibility, care and confidence, serves as an offensive catalyst and quarterback on the power play, and at the other end of the ice, he’s doing just as well. What makes him such an outstanding defenseman in today’s game is that he has speed, vision and a high hockey IQ while not being afraid to make sacrifices (28 blocks already) or engage in battles for the puck.
Beyond his individual ability, he’s also been a leader on and off the ice; he’s been skating over 24 minutes per game since the start of the 2017-18 campaign, taking on a major role in wake of Washington losing a lot of veteran blueline depth. The 29-year-old has been able to be a mentor to the Caps’ young D-corps, not only showing chemistry with whomever he’s paired with — just look at the impact he’s had on Michal Kempny, Christian Djoos and Jonas Siegenthaler — but also helping the team in an off-ice leadership role as an alternate captain.
Taking all that into consideration and seeing that he’s become integral to Washington’s success from end to end? Yes. I do think this will be Carlson’s year that he wins the Norris. Plus, just ask Alex Ovechkin. — Sammi Silber
@jdenne79: Who’s more likely to turn it around. Dallas or NJ?
While my preseason prediction had the New Jersey Devils winning the Metro and with the team showing some signs of life here and there, their three wins thus far are just not going to cut it. What ails this team is tough to nail down, although chemistry among the forward corps and not being able to maintain leads late in games are definitely red flags. Can they make changes? Sure, any team can, but Dallas will likely be the one to climb the standings; after all, the Stars have 2019 Vezina runner-up Ben Bishop between the pipes, Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry up front, and future perennial Norris Trophy candidate Miro Heiskanen on the blue line.
Besides, Dallas has won six of their last seven and is a team that has been in this position before — remember, Benn and Seguin were f—ing horse-s— last season in late-December — and still made the second round of the playoffs. — Jackie Spiegel
@prolixERG: Sabres only have 4 F's signed for next season... Who on their current roster are their priorities to sign to deals?
Among the Sabres' free-agent forwards, Sam Reinhart is the priority. He's steadily improved over the past two seasons and is on pace for a 70-point campaign this season. He's also coming off his bridge deal and in line for a significant raise. Victor Olofsson could also rise in priority if he finishes among the leading rookie scorers. — Lyle Richardson