It's not even close. 12 months ago the Rangers were looking at a 3-4 year playoff drought while they rebuild. Now, they're at the very least, playoff contenders...and maybe more. I hate admitting that they played their hand near perfect as a Devils fan, but...

BUF is still a pretty good ways off from playoff contention. And yes, the Skinner contract was a mistake long term b/c they won't be contenders until he's on the backend of the 8 year deal.

I thought MoJo was looking for 5X5? I realize that number was unrealistic, but he settled for less term AND less $$. I think it's the injury concerns, b/c he's def. worth it when 100% healthy.

I think Columbus could still make it. I don't see it, but i wouldn't be absolutely shocked if it happens. The Metro doesn't seem to be as good at the top than the Atlantic but t's a deeper division with more good/decent teams. I mean, there's a chance we see 3 make it.

It's funny how people think Skinner is an overpay, but don't say the same thing about Panarin. On a per point basis, they're nearly identical.

Based on 2018-2019 stats:
Skinner - $9,000,000/ 63points = $142,857
Panarin - $11,642,857/ 87points = $133,825

I don't get why everyone is voting yes here. He is an older forward that has been steadily producing less and less these las two seasons. I wasn't impressed at all with his play in Boston either; very low energy and doesn't seem to have the top 6 caliber anymore. That said, he still might have use as a utility type forward that can move around the lineup playing 3rd line, pk, pp, and move up to top 6 if needed. 4.5 for 2 seems a bit steep though for somebody who is trending down and barely hit 10 goals last season.

how is he an "older forward"? Hes 28 years old and only signed for 2 years...

I disagree about him "trending down" too. The last 2 seasons he has scored at about a 0.5PPG rate (while adjusting to 2 different teams play style in the last 2 season), compared to his career average of 0.58PPG. You are using his career year (58 points in 16-17) as a baseline and saying he has been "steadily producing less and less" the last 2 years. For the majority of his career he has been in the 40-50 point range when he plays a full season, and the last 2 years he was on pace for his point totals to fall in that range even when he has had to adjust to new teams so often.

Its also funny how you say he barely hit 10 goals last season when he had 13G in 58GP (0.224G/GP), while his career average is 0.204G/GP

Two years removed from playing at his top level. 28 isn't young anymore in this league; it's basically the new 32. Ya it's only a 2 year deal but I still think they'll regret it by next season.

Im refering to Miller, Vesey, Montour, and Johansson as the 4 good players we acquired since TDL...

Buffalo trying to sneak into playoffs making some decent trades/moves/signings... Would be interesting to see if they can make playoffs after all the hype last season only to falter after winning double digit games in a row .

Yep. Still a young team. People are sleeping on Dahlin and the difference he is going to make in year 2.

The difference is Skinner is very streaky and inconsistent. If he's not scoring goals, he's not doing much else. Whereas Panarin can do more than score, he can also create for his linemates and he is one of the elite offensive forces in the league.

I like your picture icon ... Yeah I almost forgot about Dahlin until was looking up something... They got a pretty solid looking defense compared to last year... Risto many think will get traded, I guess if he does that team wins the Stanley Cup like Blues getting O'Reilley who had a lot of the same press or kinda things said about him . My biggest concern for them is how their goalies play, I'm not sold on either one of them or really totally against them. They moved Nylander or so, I didn't think much of him or a few of their forwards they took w/ early draft picks ...