James Finch & Kyle Stich of AFP Analytics discuss player contracts, team building, salary cap management, and the general business and analytics of hockey and other sports. Kyle brings 10 years of experience working with hockey players and agents as a tax and analytic consultant. While James brings industry leading expertise in hockey contract projections and team salary cap management. Together they will provide unique insight to listeners hoping to learn more about how contracts are negoti ...
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Kyle Stich Podcasts

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McDavid, Bedard, Nazar, and Contract Projection Wrap-Up
1:08:29
1:08:29
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1:08:29In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss the McDavid and Bedard contract situations. Should Oilers' fans be worried? What should be made of Nazar getting his deal before Bedard? Was that a good contract? Additionally, they discuss the misses and lessons learned from this year's contract projections.…
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Who are the Best Front Offices in the NHL?
1:40:30
1:40:30
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1:40:30In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss which teams' front offices are the best in the league. What makes them good? Are there reasons for concern or optimism for your team? Catch the worst in the previous episode.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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Who are the Worst Front Offices in the NHL?
1:21:24
1:21:24
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1:21:24In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss which teams' front offices are the worst in the league. Who lacks vision and direction? Where are the glaring issues? Are there reasons for optimism if your team lands in the bottom of the rankings? Tune in next episode to hear who they think are the best.…
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Where Do Western Conference Teams Stand?
1:27:00
1:27:00
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1:27:00In the latest episode, James and Kyle look at where teams in the Western Conference stand one month into the offseason. What moves are still to come? What should teams still be looking to do? Who might have done enough?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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Where Do Eastern Conference Teams Stand?
1:14:53
1:14:53
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1:14:53In the latest episode, James and Kyle look at where teams in the Eastern Conference stand one month into the offseason. What moves are still to come? What should teams still be looking to do? Who might have done enough? Next week they will discuss the Western Conference.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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What to Expect from 2025 Arbitration Hearings
30:02
30:02
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30:02In the latest episode, Kyle flys solo to take you through what you need to know about arbitration with hearings starting Monday. How do the hearings go? Should players or teams want to go? Can they come up with an alternative contract? When can that happen? What happens after an award? Does a team have to accept it? Who can still buy players out th…
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In the latest episode James and Kyle continue wrapping up the flurry of offseason moves by discussing the contracts that were signed in the first week of free agency. What contracts made sense? Which were head scratchers? Is a contract gap developing based on player role? Who got better? Are there any teams that made more questionable signings than…
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In the latest episode, James and Kyle start to unwind the start of the offseason by discussing the trades that occurred around the NHL draft. They provide their thoughts on the Peterka, Dobson, Coyle, Timmins, Gibson, Hague, Marner, Maccelli, Bolduc/Mailloux, and Miller trades plus a few others. Tune in next episode for their free agent signing wra…
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Free Agency Preview: What Has Happened & What is Left to Happen
51:03
51:03
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51:03In this free agency preview episode, James runs through recent signings and trades from draft weekend, discusses trade rumors, potential happenings with current RFAs, and how the free agent market is currently shaping up. Happy Free Agency!By James Finch
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An Athlete Tax Expert on If Taxes Matter in the NHL
39:00
39:00
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39:00In the latest episode, Kyle flies solo and drops his knowledge on athlete taxation. Does it matter? If so, how much? Why is it talked about so much more now than 10 years ago? Can teams work around it? What are the important considerations for players and their agents when negotiating contracts?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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Is it the Summer of Offer Sheets in the NHL?
1:14:43
1:14:43
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1:14:43In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss the potential for offer sheets this summer. Who is eligible to receive one? Which teams can give one? Which teams and players could be potential targets and will those attempts be successful? How can offer sheets be structured to give them the best chance of success? James and Kyle will take you through…
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Assessing the NHL Landscape at the Official Start of the Offseason
1:19:28
1:19:28
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1:19:28In the latest episode, James and Kyle rundown where things stand with potential buyouts, trades, and free agents. Could there be any surprise buyouts? Who is in line to get more than their contract projection? Will there be any updates to AFP Analytics' contract projections? Where do things stand with trades candidates? Who moves and who stays? Wha…
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NHL Prospect Rankings - AFP Analytics Model
54:42
54:42
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54:42In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss AFP Analytics' prospect model and the rankings of the 2025 NHL draft class. How is the model built? Who do they think has the potential to be a steal later in the draft? Who should teams be cautious of? Which prospects' names will they butcher the pronunciation of?…
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Top NHL Trade Targets - What's the Price & Who Can Pay It?
1:14:53
1:14:53
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1:14:53In the latest episode, James and Kyle take you through the NHL players who have the most trade smoke around them. Where will players like Jason Robertson, Marco Rossi, Bo Byram, and JJ Peterka wind up and what will the cost be? What more do the Rangers have up their sleeves? Who could be on the way out and what could be coming back?…
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Dallas Stars' Dilemma and Other Top RFA Extensions
58:27
58:27
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58:27In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss the restricted free agents (RFAs) eligible for extensions starting with the dilemma the Dallas Stars might face with Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley. What are their options to be able to keep both? Why does Chicago have a tough decision with Bedard and how much will that cost them? How will Fantilli, …
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Matchmaking NHL Teams With the best UFA
1:31:37
1:31:37
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1:31:37In the latest episode, James and Kyle play match-maker finding the perfect fit between team and UFA players. The rules - no player can be picked to stay with their current team and no player can be used twice. Who matches with Mitch Marner? Brock Boeser? John Tavares? Nikolaj Ehlers? Aaron Ekblad? Sam Bennett? Do any top players not get matched? Wh…
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What could Connor McDavid's next contract look like? Jack Eichel's? Kirill Kaprizov's? Kyle Connor's? Other top players'? How loaded will next year's UFA forward, defense, and goalie market be? Could any of the players be traded like Mikko Rantanen?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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2025 AFP Analytic RFA Contract Projections
1:13:56
1:13:56
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1:13:56In the latest Max Term Episode, James and Kyle discuss the pending restricted free agent (RFA). What's the difference between 10.2(C), RFA, and arbitration eligible RFAs? Could we see any offer sheets this summer? Will both Bouchard and Dobson reach $10M average annual values? Could Edmonton execute a revenge offer sheet for a goalie?…
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Overviewing AFP Analytic Contract Projections - UFAs
1:18:24
1:18:24
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1:18:24AFP Analytics have released their contract for the 2025 offseason. In the latest Max Term Episode, James and Kyle discuss the projection process and do a deep dive on the UFAs at forward, defense, and in goal.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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Looking at the Offseason for NHL Teams that Missed Playoffs
1:14:37
1:14:37
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1:14:37In the latest episode, James and Kyle start looking at the offseason ahead for the NHL teams whose 2024-2025 season are over. Who has tough decisions ahead? Who needs to be mindful of the path they choose to go? Who needs to be careful to not get too complacent? Could Elias Pettersson be traded? Could a surprising player be traded by the Bruins?…
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Exactly How the 2025 NHL Postseason Will Play Out
1:16:18
1:16:18
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1:16:18In the latest episode, James and Kyle revisit how wrong and occasionally right they were with their preseason picks. They give final predictions for postseason awards and exactly how the Stanley Cup playoffs will unfold. Is Toronto making it out of the first round? Who might be sunk by injuries? Who ultimately lifts the cup?…
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Snapshot: Tortorella fired, Hill & Chychrun Extensions
31:49
31:49
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31:49Snapshot episode on the Flyers firing of head coach John Tortorella, as well as analysis of recent extensions signed by Vegas Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill and Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun.By James Finch
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How the NHL Trade Deadline Could Impact the Offseason
57:53
57:53
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57:53In the latest episode, James and Kyle dive into the offseason ramifications of what did and didn't occur at the trade deadline. Is Mitch Marner on his way out of Toronto? How does Rantanen's contract impact him and what is the trickle down effect on Boeser? What was the JJ Peterka and New York Rangers rumors about? Could that foreshadow something? …
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Analysis of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
1:31:31
1:31:31
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1:31:31In the latest episode, James and Kyle run through all the trades from March 1st until the end of the NHL trade deadline. How did Carolina do with the Mikko Rantanen trade? Did Buffalo do well in the Dylan Cozens trade? Did Toronto use their assets wisely? Did Boston do well in their teardown? Did Winnipeg do enough? Were there any head scratching d…
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NHL Trade Deadline Top Trade Targets (James' Version)
1:08:32
1:08:32
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1:08:32In the latest episode, Kyle takes you through his top trade targets leading up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline. James and Kyle provide potential team fits and their thoughts on price and how likely the players are to be traded.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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NHL Trade Deadline Top Trade Targets (Kyle's Version)
1:06:24
1:06:24
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1:06:24In the latest episode, Kyle takes you through his top trade targets leading up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline. James and Kyle provide potential team fits and their thoughts on price and how likely the players are to be traded.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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1
Top Trade Targets at 4 Nations Break
1:17:59
1:17:59
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1:17:59In the latest episode, James and Kyle look at Frank Seravalli's current trade board and discuss if they those players on the move, what the price might be, and which teams could or maybe should be making a call.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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James and Kyle revisit how wrong they were with their preseason predictions, with a look around how things are playing out in the NHL. They also take a look forward at who they expect to make the playoffs, win in the playoffs, and which players will take home end of season awards.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss potential changes to the CBA: How OT can be improved Offside/Goalie Interference Reviews 3-2-1 Point System No-Trade Clauses Max Terms Buyouts Tax-Neutral CBA ExpansionBy Kyle Stich & James Finch
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1
Max Stat & MidSeason Contract Projections
1:13:23
1:13:23
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1:13:23James and Kyle are back to introduce two new exciting projects: 1) AFP Analytic midseason contract projections are live and they take you through an overview of those. 2) Max Stat Beta - James and Kyle discuss their all-encompassing ability metric, Max Stat, which they have released in a beta version. Tune in to learn more on both!…
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Where Does Blame Fall with the Buffalo Sabres
1:45:02
1:45:02
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1:45:02In the latest episode, James & Kyle unpack the Buffalo Sabres' issues yet again amidst their 11 game winless streak. Where does blame fall? On Players? Coaches? Management? Ownership? What are the solutions? Are there quick fixes or is another season lost?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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1
Which NHL Teams Need to Go Christmas Shopping
1:32:11
1:32:11
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1:32:11In the latest episode, James & Kyle discuss which NHL teams would be smart to go Christmas shopping and what should be on each list. They also identify teams that might be the retailers and who they might make available.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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In the latest episode, James and Kyle hit on some "current events" - starting with the Blackhawks coaching change, talking about teams with the most smoke around them - Predators, Islanders, Rangers, Sabres - some thoughts on 4 Nations and who is over/under performing.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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1
Early Look at 2025 Rental Market & UFA Class
1:06:33
1:06:33
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1:06:33In the latest episode, James and Kyle give a preview of the top names available in the 2025 UFA and discuss which players might be the best rentals available in the trade market. If your team is looking for options upfront you might be in luck. Who could provide some scoring punch? Who would be good depth additions? What about on the backend?…
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Reactions to the First Month of the 2024 NHL Season
1:19:34
1:19:34
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1:19:34James and Kyle are back together to give a rundown of their thoughts on the first month of the 2024 NHL season. Which teams' starts are sustainable? Who might be due for some progression? Regression? Are any teams already showing signs of being done? How do they feel about their preseason predictions?…
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Snapshot: Shea Theodore, Alexis Lafreniere, Jake McCabe
39:06
39:06
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39:06In the latest snapshot edition, Kyle takes you through analysis on Shea Theodore's, Alexis Lafreniere's, and Jake McCabe's recent contract signings. Kyle addresses: Were the contracts fair-value? What are the bigger picture impacts? Why does the deferred compensation make sense for McCabe?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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In a snapshot episode, James discusses the recent goalie contracts vs the AFP projections, the overall goalie market, and whether or not there has been a market reset. Saros, UPL, Swayman, Daccord, Ullmark, and Oettinger.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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Exactly How the 2024 NHL Season Will Play Out
53:21
53:21
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53:21James and Kyle wrap up their season preview by telling everyone exactly how the 2024-2025 NHL season will play out. Who makes the playoffs? Who lifts the cup? Who takes home the end of season awards?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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NHL 2024 Season Preview - Pacific Division
1:17:19
1:17:19
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1:17:19James and Kyle wrap up their season previews with the Pacific Division. Are the Oilers clearly the best team in the division? Maybe even the league? Can San Jose or Anaheim take a step forward? Will Seattle be a playoff team? How about Los Angeles? Does Vegas have enough to compete in the division? Who goes over their projected point total? Who are…
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1
MaxTerm Short: On Lehner, Columbus Cap Situation, & Swayman
28:34
28:34
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28:34James and Kyle discuss some of the recent salary cap news in the NHL. Is there anything fishy about Lehner's contract ending with Vegas? They explain how Columbus will be cap compliant and talk about the Jeremy Swayman negotiations with Boston. Who's to blame? Will the contract get done anytime soon? Will Swayman even play another game for the Brui…
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NHL 2024 Season Preview - Central Division
1:14:07
1:14:07
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1:14:07James and Kyle continue their 2024-2025 NHL season preview with a rundown of the Central division. Which teams are destined to beat their preseason point totals? Who will fall short? Which players could be fantasy sleepers? Can Kyle make his mind up on Nashville?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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NHL 2024 Season Preview - Atlantic Division
1:21:18
1:21:18
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1:21:18Before getting into the season preview, James and Kyle discuss the Crosby, Krebs, Raymond, Seider, Harley, and Lindell contracts. They then continue their division by division season preview with a look at the Atlantic division. Who's Vegas point totals are too low? Whose too high? What fantasy hockey sleepers do each team have?…
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NHL 2024 Season Preview - Metro Division
1:09:01
1:09:01
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1:09:01With the 2024-2025 NHL season fast approaching, James and Kyle begin their division by division season previews with the Metro Division. They discuss over/under point totals, fantasy sleepers, and give their general thoughts on the teams and where they see them finishing. Please note, any ads associated with this episode are not necessarily product…
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1
On Gaudreau Tragedy, Draisaitil, Jarvis, and Contract Projections
43:50
43:50
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43:50In an episode that gets cut short due to some tech issues, James and Kyle discuss the John and Matthew Gaudreau tragedy, the Draisaitil and Jarvis contracts, and briefly touch on where AFP Analytics' contract projections currently stand. Are there tax savings/financial reasons for the structure of Draisaitil/Jarvis contracts? James and Kyle let you…
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Using Dom Luszczyszyn's front office rankings from The Athletic, James and Kyle discuss their thoughts on the quality of every front office. Who was ranked too high? Who too low?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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1
St. Louis Offer Sheets and Deep Dive on NY Rangers
1:27:46
1:27:46
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1:27:46James and Kyle discuss the dual-offer sheet strategy deployed by the St. Louis Blues. Was it worth it? Will either be successful? The main focus is on whether the New York Rangers have done enough to be Cup contenders. Is their window closed? Closing? Wide open? Can they improve their roster going forward?…
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1
Offseason Deep Dive - Buffalo Sabres
1:04:59
1:04:59
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1:04:59In the latest episode, James and Kyle take a look at whether the Buffalo Sabres have done enough to break their historical playoff drought. Should they acquire Patrick Laine? Is Peyton Krebs the odd many out? What's Kyle's new rule if you want to complain about lack of action for your favorite team?By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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1
Discussion of Recent NHL Happenings
1:27:12
1:27:12
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1:27:12In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss the recent news in the NHL. Kyle gives his thoughts on the John Tavares tax situation before they get into recent signings and touch on some of the big RFAs still unsigned. They highlight Travis Konecny and Brock Faber as contracts that are showing that perspective needs to be adjusted with the once aga…
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1
Which NHL Teams Still Have Work to Do?
1:23:20
1:23:20
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1:23:20James and Kyle continue their offseason recap by discussing the remaining needs of many of the NHL teams. How can contenders like the Rangers and Colorado use their limited cap space? Have the Jets and Sabres used their buyout savings wisely? What exactly is Pittsburgh's, Seattle's, and Detroit's plan?…
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James and Kyle finally are able to provide a rundown of their thoughts on NHL UFA. What contracts stood out for the wrong reasons? Which teams were the biggest winners? Losers? Who has more to do. Additionally, Kyle provides insight into Chris Tanev's decision to go from Dallas to Toronto.By Kyle Stich & James Finch
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