The panthers are a cup contender this year by all “experts” opinions. It feels like this is our year with what happened last year and so far this season. I assume Zito is looking for that one or two pieces that would put them over the top. Not having a 1st and 2nd this year and no 1st next year limits the options but Zito tends to work magic
The good:
Former 2nd overall pick in 2019, at 6’3/200lbs and 22 years old with a cap hit of 2.1 mil on the last year of his contract leaving him as a RFA next year so it gives the team more leverage. He’s a bigger guy with high end skill potential. You’d have to imagine playing on the same team as Captain Finland himself, Barkov, would drive him to want to play even better overall and it would perhaps maybe even improve his game to see what it takes from one of the best in the league and fellow countrymen. Would give the panthers that extra scoring they will need for a long playoff run and would slot in nicely on the 3rd line with potential to be top 6. Cap hit is low for this year and is a RFA next year. If the cost of getting him didn’t significantly handicap the team going forward I think he’d be a good fit should he remain healthy.
The bad:
K.K had injury problems but has been healthy as of late and had underperformed for them in the past but is doing well so far this season. He could very well be a bust but we’ve seen many players come here who were once considered cooked only to revive their career. It’s a risky deal that some teams can’t stomach for sure.
Summary:
He has his warts but also still has some potential and shine to him. If all went well he becomes another key part of our core going forward. If it fails miserably we’re left with a shell of what he could have been. Losing a potential prospect and seeing them thrive on the Rangers for years to come and no cup to show for it. The pain can be limited by signing him to a team friendly contract after the playoffs are over and try again the next year or move him and potentially recoup some loss. KK would be a cheaper option than the likes of say Backlund from Calgary.
I know everyone is hesitant to change the dynamic of the team but the reality is that there’s not much to choose from this year and if we want to go all the way this year we’ll need some extra help to put us above the Colorado’s, Boston’s, Winnipeg’s, Vegas’ etc of the league. We have a great core but who knows what next year holds with so many of our roster being free agents
by airbag23
3 Comments
Rangers fans are saying he’s a good forechecking, defensive minded and possession forward. He could really benefit from PP time but I don’t see him replacing anyone on the 1st PP unit and idk about the 2nd unit.
Seems like a bottom 6 guy, and since bottom 6 scoring is one of our biggest problems right now. Not sure if we’d be in the market for him.
EDIT: But he is an underperforming top draft pick who is Finnish so that sounds like a Bill Zito special, so the fuck do I know?
I don’t see it happening The rangers aren’t trading him for picks they want a proven player to help them win now. He’s most likely going to a rebuilding team if it does happen.
Honestly, we sit tight at the deadline like last year. We went too hard at the deadline two years ago and we can’t afford much more. We need to focus on signing for next year and keeping our core to stab now.