The Buffalo Sabres prevented 40 goal scorer Jeff Skinner from hitting unrestricted free agency this summer. It cost them a total of $72 million to do so.

So What Does This Mean to the Free Agent Market?

Skinner’s deal means that Artemi Panarin’s contract is going to start at least around the 10.5 to 11M dollar mark and get no less than the maximum 7 years he can sign for per the CBA. Skinner was able to sign for the 8 year maximum because Buffalo acquired him on his Entry Level Contract.

It also means that any of the big RFA’s out there looking to sign long term like Patrick Laine and Mitch Marner are going to command at least $10 million and 8 years. In essence, this is shaping up to be a very expensive Free Agency season for anyone who wants to be a player in this market.

Are the Rangers Players This Summer

The answer is yes. That doesn’t mean they will get into a bidding war over Artemi Panarin and pay him $15 million a year for the next 7 years. Or that they will acquiesce to Karlsson’s desire for 7 years at $11M per. John Davidson is not going to rush this team or expedite the process in the short term to hurt them in the long run.

It is possible that if the Rangers can’t reach an agreement to land a Panarin or Karlsson at a contract they are comfortable with they may go a different route. One player that could be of interest to the team is Wayne Simmonds.

The Rangers and the Free Agent Market

The market on Erik Karlsson has cooled tremendously since last year. The belief that Karlsson’s negotiations would start no lower than the $11 million mark at 7 years seems out of scope now. It is possible that a more reasonable number in either salary or years could be achieved for an All-Star #1 defenseman. Should Karlsson lessen his demands, the Rangers would certainly consider him.

Another star player of interest is Matt Duchene, whose numbers are fairly comparable to Skinner’s this past season. Duchene could be had for about $10M per for 7 years. Of course, that will take him to the age of 35 and likely have teams balk. If Duchene would be amicable to a 5 year deal, he would get that money easily.

Back to Simmonds. The 30 year old UFA is coming off a deal with an AAV of $3.975M. He scored 17 goals and 30 points in a difficult year between the Flyers and Predators. Simmonds checks a lot of boxes for the Rangers heading into next season. He can score, averaging over 25 goals in the last 5 years and he brings an element of size and toughness the Rangers could use with such a young lineup.

Simmonds is also going to cost a lot less on the market with all these big name UFA’s and RFA’s out there. A 3 year deal at around $5-6M would make a lot of sense for John Davidson’s Blueshirts.

Featured Image: James McCoy/Buffalo News

It’s that time of year again, folks. Speculation, speculation, speculation! This is where hockey fans and pundits try to predict who goes where and what state-tax players will be paying when teams come knocking at their doors. There are many solid players on the market, the two marquee names being Erik Karlsson and Artemi Panarin. For the New York Rangers, this is arguably the most important offseason this franchise has faced in a long time. Blessed with the number two pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft and flexibility with the cap room they possess, New York is primed to add on the pieces needed to turn this club from rebuilder to Stanley Cup contender.

Obviously, the main target the Rangers should go after, and the option I’m 100 percent behind, is Artemi Panarin. The 27-year-old Russian winger is exactly what the Rangers need; a dynamic scoring winger who is still in his prime. Although the Rangers seem to be the favorites, there are other teams that may be able to entice the services of Panarin, those including Chicago and Florida. That being said, what route can the Rangers go if Panarin decides to sign elsewhere?

Enter Jeffrey Scott Skinner.

Now, before I begin, I’m aware I may get some heat from this, as I’ve made similar posts about Erik Karlsson becoming a Ranger and also one about wanting LA Kings winger Ilya Kovalchuk to sign with New York. Look, I can understand why Ranger fans want no part of those players, and some of the concerns are valid, but hear me out on this one.

Jeff Skinner was originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft going seventh overall. Burning up the OHL with a 90 point season with the Kitchener Rangers, Skinner became a highly sought out talent. Carolina did not regret making this pick, as he had many productive seasons, even when the injury bug came and hit him. Only missing 40 points twice in his time with Carolina, Skinner is a guaranteed almost 30 goals a season when healthy. Even after coming back from injury, Skinner has shown to be a consistent offensive threat on the ice.

Small, shifty and quick, Skinner has a natural knack for scoring goals. His skating ability is arguably one of his best traits, as he’s incredibly agile out there on the ice. Don’t forget, he is a trained figure skater and has used those skating abilities to his benefit on the ice. Add his tenacity to get the puck and his willingness to grind it out, Skinner is an underrated talent on the ice. His size and skating ability can benefit the offensive zone forecheck, as he can easily evade body checks in the corner. Add to that strong hands to move the puck around and a decent shot, Skinner would be a welcome addition to a Rangers team who is looking to get quicker and faster.

Also, Ranger fans have felt the wrath of Skinner as he’s lit the lamp against the Blueshirts numerous times, with ease.

Even after Skinner was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres, Skinner became the second player in team history to score 20 goals before December, and the seventh player to score at least 20 goals in less than 27 games. Also, still scored against the Rangers in his new sweater.

On April 6, Skinner scored twice in the season finale against the Detroit Red Wings, upping his total to 40 goals scored on the season, the first time in his career that he has reached that mark and it seems like the trend is going upward. If he’s surrounded by quality players, he’s a solid enough finisher to keep trending to that mark year after year.

He’s had many seasons in the NHL, tons of experience, a former captain, and he’s only 27 years old. He had a mini-renaissance with Buffalo and it seems as if that renaissance could continue when in the right spot.

So, what would be a good offer for Skinner? Obviously, he wouldn’t get Panarin money, but for less or similar to that type of contract, the services of Skinner could be something the Rangers should take a look at if Artemi Panarin goes elsewhere. This is not the worst possible idea and frankly, I think could benefit the Rangers for years to come, as Skinner is about as dynamic a scorer out there on the market. Considering the Rangers are going for speedy players with tons of skill and moxie, Skinner could be a solid complimentary piece for the youth to learn from and grow with.

Time and time again, Rangers GM Jeff Gorton has stated that the team will look to expedite the rebuilding process in free agency. The top two guys this summer, as we know by now, are Artemi Panarin and Erik Karlsson. But outside of those two, who else is out there that the organization can lure to New York?

Matt Duchene

Starting with a guy who will have the highest ticket price out of everyone on this list, Matt Duchene has developed a name for himself in the NHL over the last decade. That name is a guy that has tallied 547 points in 727 career games and gives the offensive threat many teams in the NHL are missing, like the Rangers.

At 28 years old, Duchene is set to sign the contract of his life, as he’s to expect a contract with a minimum of five years, while hovering around that $10 million mark. Duchene is the type of player that the Rangers need at some point in the future, and with the possibility of a couple of their prospect forwards being on the roster for next season, Duchene can provide that veteran leadership every team needs while impacting the team offensively. With a guy like Duchene, the Rangers shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger when it comes to throwing a good chunk of money at him, especially if they miss out of their main guy in Artemi Panarin.

Jeff Skinner

Another offensive threat that is set to get a large raise this summer is one Jeff Skinner. The soon-to-be 27-year-old has also proven his worth in the last nine years in the NHL, posting 442 points in 661 career games. In his first year in Buffalo, Skinner reached the 40 goal mark for the first time in his career.

Currently making a shade under $6 million, and especially coming off of 40-goal year, Skinner will likely get a contract around $8 or $9 million per year, with the same length as Duchene. These two forwards are very much alike, as the addition of either of them improves the teams offensive immediately. Fitting into the Rangers lineup for Skinner would come with ease, as it usually is for natural point-scorers. Having a versatile winger under contract for a good number of years can help the Rangers now, and in a couple of years when they hope to be competing. Skinner is somebody the Rangers should definitely inquire come July 1.

Marcus Johansson

The cheapest of the bunch, also the least productive, would be a nice fit for the Rangers going forward. Johansson, who seems to fit nicely as a middle-six forward, provides any team he’s on with solid numbers for someone who doesn’t need to take as much cap up as the others.

Johansson has 334 points through 588 games, and at just 28, still has plenty of years of productivity. The veteran leadership that he can bring to the young Rangers would help tremendously, and with a contract anywhere from 3-5 years at a minimum of $6 million per year. The contract is definitely doable, and for what he brings to the table, the Rangers should be sure to check up on Johansson once free agency opens.

Let’s dive in…

Tyler Seguin

The 26 year old will be the most coveted UFA next summer, IF he gets there. While it is believed that both sides are working towards an extension, Seguin could still wait to explore the UFA market and cash in John Tavares style.

A player like Seguin signing for the bright lights of Broadway would put the rebuild into overdrive. The cost would exceed 10 million a season for 7 years, but Seguin is more than worth it. The center is coming off a 40 goal and 78 points season and his scoring should only continue climb.

If Seguin makes it to the market, the Rangers must pull a Toronto. That means all the stops and a promo video where a CGI Seguin is hoisting a Cup at center ice at MSG and rolling in a car going down the canyon of heroes.

Artemi Panarin

The Rangers were immediately linked to Panarin when news came out that he was made available. There is no doubt that a player like Panarin would catapult the Blueshirts into contention. In three NHL seasons, the LW has totaled 233 points in just 243 games.

Panarin’s current cap hit is $6 million and he will command a significant increase. If the Rangers miss out on Seguin, they would do very well with Panarin. Seguin’s advantage over Panarin is his position, as centers are valuable assets in today’s NHL.

Matt Duchene

Ottawa paid a steep price to acquire Duchene last season. Since then, they have been in turmoil and may be going in a complete rebuild direction. This is especially true if Erik Karlsson is indeed dealt.

The 27 year old center is currently making $6 million on the cap and won’t command a salary anywhere near Seguin. That’s simply because he hasn’t scored more than 30 goals or 70 points in any single season. Last year was even more disappointing as he scored only 59 points and the Senators may consider trading him at the deadline.

If that’s the case, the Rangers should avoid trading assets for him and sign him in July.

Jeff Skinner

The 26 year old center has a world of talent that has yet to reach full potential. Rumors have the Hurricanes possibly trading him, if not now then at the deadline. If that’s the case, the Rangers should approach him just like Duchene. Avoid trading assets and sign him in July.

Skinner’s current deal comes with a $5.725 million cap hit and if he were to hit free agency, it would take upwards of $7 million to land him. If the Rangers miss out on the top 3, then they should give him a look.

Honorable Mention

Gustav Nyquist

Nyquist is just one of those players that has a knack for scoring. The 28 year old will be a UFA next summer and is a perennial 20 goal scorer. He currently makes $4.75M and should still come at a reasonable price in the summer.

If the Rangers do move on from Mats Zuccarello this season, Nyquist would make a nice addition with any of the names mentioned above.

The NHL season never shakes out exactly as expected; good teams struggle, and sometimes great players land in terrible funks. Below I will lay out a list of players from around the league who have gotten off to poor starts.

Corey Perry

Perry is probably the most recognized under achiever thus far because he’s usually next to unstoppable in front of the net. Perry has been better as of late but that doesn’t change the fact that the big winger has just 12 points in 21 games so far this season. To put that in perspective ESPN projects him to score 20 goals by seasons end, last year he tallied 33. There is still time to get his season together, but he has to get red-hot.

Ryan Getzlaf

Also in the middle of some scrutiny is the big center in Anaheim. Getzlaf is on pace to score 41 points which is a staggering drop from the 70 he posted last year. The Ducks were hoping that some guys from within would step up and help the big line produce, clearly that hasn’t happened. Make no mistake, this team was never going to do well with their two big forwards playing mediocre at best.

Jeff Skinner

Skinner had 31 points last season which was a startling decline from the 54 he had in 2013-2014. This year he is poised to take another cut in production as ESPN has him projected to finish this season with 21 points. This was a forward who a few years ago looked ready to become the face of the Hurricanes with his great hands and incredible skating. The skill is still there and at 23-years old Skinner is still young so he could rebound, but it has to start happening and soon.

Jack Johnson

Johnson was expected to be the spine of a grizzly Columbus team that showed so much promise at the end of last year. We’re 22 games into the season, Johnson has five points and Columbus sits in last place in the Metropolitan Division. To be fair there are a ton of issues facing the Jackets, not just Johnson. That being said it really hurts when a defender who had 40 points last year, is on pace for just 19 the next.

Nick Foligno

Looking at an even more severe dip in production is the Columbus captain. Foligno had a breath taking 73 points last year, as the gritty winger was simply on fire. This year the winger is on pace to notch just 34 points. A dip like that just seems to severe to overcome for an up-and-coming team. On another note, Foligno can’t find any luck.

Valeri Nichushkin

I understand that this name comes out of nowhere, but give me a chance to explain myself. Nichushkin has all the tools to dominate, so much so that Jaromir Jagr suggested that he could one day be the best in the world. Last year the big Russian winger was hurt for all but eight games, but in his rookie campaign he notched 34 points in 79 games. Since then the Stars have become one of the scariest teams in the league so I think it would be safe to think that the winger would have a field day with so much attention diverted to Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin; but thus far Nichushkin has only five points in 19 games and is on place to finish the year with 21. There is still time, I was just expecting him to be dominant.

Wayne Simmonds

Simmonds has been one of the best in front of the net over the last few seasons, but this year he can’t buy a goal. Last year Simmonds had 50 points 28 of which were goals, but this year he’s on pace to finish the year with 12. This is a major reason that the Philadelphia Flyers are last in the NHL in goals scored.

Sidney Crosby

Somehow Crosby has only 11 points through 20 games and is on pace to post 45 points by years end. The face of the NHL is always better than a point per game player, but for some reason he can’t find the net right now. Last year Crosby had 84 points which was a step down from his 104 the year before that. Crosby is so talented, it’s hard to believe that he won’t start scoring like crazy at some point, that being said a fourth of the season is already gone.

Honorable Mentions

Jakub Voracek

Carl Hagelin

Now to be fair hockey is a team game, and none of these guys are having issues for a lack of determination. When I made this list I considered guys who just looked like they didn’t have that next step to make the big play. Does that mean they can’t find it? Of course not, I think every player on this list will be fine it just may take some time for them to shake their funk.

Don’t agree? Leave it in the comments.