probably panarin, right?

I knew someone would say it... lol just looking at team perspectives

I think both teams probably say no

Not enough Cap savings for it to be worth the “downgrade” for NYR

And the Sabres have been putting huge emphasis on only bringing in guys that really wanna be in Buffalo- I’m guessing Panarin wouldn’t feel that way
Plus, Skinner has become a Vet “leader” on this team & the locker room matters here A LOT


Panarin is clearly the better player though
And in a vacuum, Panarin > Skinner + a 2nd
(and I’m a Sabres fan)

Close enough to be a decent discussion though

I think when you look at the possibility of a skinner buyout then it bumps it for the rangers because if they really need the cap skinners buyout wouldn't be as bad. Plus this gives laf top 6 mins

Couldnt resist lol.

I think from a team perspective buffalo would do it (assuming all players waive). Its a higher hit but shorter term by a year so it expires when theyd need the cap the most. But I cant see it being worthwhile for NYR. It's two million ish saved while adding an extra year at 9 mil to a team thats already right up against it.

Ok, those are fair points
Didn’t consider that at all

The buyout savings if need on Skinner would be a big part

Drury doesn’t strike me as a buy-out guy. Even so, I wouldn’t trade for a guy like Skinner with even the thought of a buy-out

Goodrow has a friendly buy-out option and Drury didn’t even do that

Both players, as they both have a NMC.

Panarin wanted to play in a big city, therefore the long-term deal he signed with the Rags in 2019. Skinner stated that he wanted to be closer to his hometown of Toronto when he signed with the Sabres.

As for the possibility of a Skinner buyout, he's been playing his best hockey since joining the Sabres and possibly the best hockey of his career. Don Granato has him clicking on offense (career high 82 points in 79 games and yet another 30-goal season in 2022-23) and has him playing more defense than he ever has. Two years from now might be a different story but right now he's playing a big role on an up-and-coming team.

Edit: didn't see the Rangers as the team buying him out

The contract is no longer an issue with Skinner as his on-ice production and off-ice leadership as a 'glue guy' in the locker room are worth keeping him. No way Sabres ask him to waive his NTC to replace him with a less effective, more costly player like Panarin.

Both teams

Both players

Less effective??? Lmao

Goal-scoring wise, he's correct. Panarin gets the nod overall, but the gap isn't as wide as it has been.