Q: What should Wayne Gretzky do after the season? Step away from the bench, or fight on?
— C.L. from Toronto
A: Given the Great One's lifelong commitment to loving challenges, and the fact that he has such a vested (read: financial) interest in the Coyotes succeeding, I don't see him stepping down. Not now.

The Coyotes had another poor season, and offloaded a good portion of their lineup to make way for some free-agent spending this summer. Far more likely than Gretzky bowing out, I think, is a reconfiguration in the Phoenix front office, and a commitment to stay the course with some draft picks and younger free-agent talent for Gretzky to coach.

Out with the deadwood. Meanwhile, No. 99 remains No. 1 behind the bench. At least until the franchise begins to gain some much-needed momentum.

Q: Is there a clear No. 1 in this year's draft?
— Tom from Fullerton, Calif.
A: Not really, Tom.  Heading into the season, and for a year or two before, skilled forward Angelo Esposito (Quebec Ramparts) was the heavy favorite. But his stock has slipped this season, which is often the case for kids who are so highly touted at such a young age (15 for Esposito).

Now, the top forward looks like Patrick Kane, who is from the Buffalo area but plays for the London Knights (OHL). Most scouts consider Karl Alzner, of the Calgary Hitmen, the top defenseman. And Jeremy Smith of the Plymouth Whalers leads the netminders.

Based on who selects No. 1, and the needs of that club, any of those three could be first to the podium.

Q: Got a Frozen Four favorite?
— Matt Murdock from Bemidji, Minn.
A: As a Boston University grad ('75...no, not 1875), as much as it pains me to say it ... oh, heck, Boston College.

Must stop here. Fingers cramping. Intense nausea, sweaty palms ... I'm melting ... melting ...

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