What's the chance that Panarin goes to New York over Florida? I'd say Florida is a pretty solid lock at this point on $9.5M to $10M given the income tax advantage over NY.

I think both Bobrovsky and Panarin are South Florida bound.

If it comes down to money, then that's all but true. Banking on the allure of playing for an Original Six franchise in the Big Apple, over a community of beach bums that are always in the Bottom 5 in attendance, is too much to pass up.

I'd say their only advantages at this point are income tax and Coach Q. Other than Barkov I really don't see Florida's roster as much better than NY's. NY is just also such a better move for branding purposes, not to say Panarin necessarily cares about that at all but to be able to live in New York City is such a big selling point that does not get enough mention.

I think it'll be between Florida and NYR for his services. Florida may have the tax break but NYR has more marketing potential. He'll get more endorsements in NYC than in Sunrise.

With Kravtsov, Shestyorkin, Georgiev, Rykov, Buchnevich, Namestnikov (although he may be gone) the rangers also have a strong russian connection. Yeah JQ is in florida, but JD may come back to NY so that may be a toss up.

I think the rangers having #2 overall this year may tip the balance in their favor but it's still a huge toss up between the two. It'll be fun to watch-- either way both teams should be excited for this summer

If money is the deciding factor, then it would be hard to argue. Past that, not much reason to go down to South Beach. Making yourself completely irrelevant in that community.

Bob may be a lock, but Panarin is far from it. He's got way more options and will definitely weigh them all.