SHORT-TERM, EAST PLAYOFF TEAMS STRENGTHEN
Horton deal to Bs could affect field for NYI at 5
2:20 pm: Nathan Horton’s departure to Boston, along with Greg Campbell, for the 15th overall pick, Dennis Wideman and another pick, could lead to improved chances of my draft mockery. Connolly at 3, Fowler to Columbus at 4, Gudbranson at 5. Nah, it never works that way! Elsewhere, while the Predators got good value, short-term it looks like the Devils (Arnott, are too) and Flyers (when they inevitably sign Hamhuis) have improved. Comments.
68 Responses to SHORT-TERM, EAST PLAYOFF TEAMS STRENGTHEN
Horton deal to Bs could affect field for NYI at 5
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islesfan999 says:
What would you say the chance is the Isles have a big summer and get some size and talent?
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Steve says:
Boston seems like a good destination for Horton.
I think this increases the chance they trade with us. They get an extra draft choice and still get the player/s they want in Connolly and a defenseman at 15.
We may still get Fowler!!!!!
(me dancing)
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kevin27nyi says:
good point that eastern teams are improving a lot. islanders need to too. versteeg would be a great addition to the top 6 and add in a top 4 dman such as michalek and id say the isles have a shot.
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Steve says:
0% chance islesfan999. The Isles aren’t spening any kind of money on a player either via free agency or trade. Those who think we have a shot at Versteeg, Byfgulien or Ladd are only getting their hopes up. Until Wang sells/moves the team, they are going to be at the salary cap floor. I’d look for more signings or trades for the likes of peripheral NHL’ers who are cheaply paid ala Nate Thompson or Rob Schremp.
Otherwise, just another dissapointing summer free agency on the Island.
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(Sim)ple says:
The key to the Isles fate in this draft lies with Tallon. Please use 3 on Connolly. If only CLB takes Campbell then we really would have something…
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CrackheadTheo says:
I unfortunately agree with Steve
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Strummer's Army says:
From your keypad to God’s ears Botta!
A week later resigning Doug Weight makes 0 sense to me.
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orngfan says:
garth snow thinks this is the swedish elite league!
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Mike P says:
Isles will do NOTHING as usual. !!!! Welcome to Isles country, and i`m gettin tired of watching everyone else fatten their lineup.
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Chris in DC says:
The Isles are in a very good position entering this draft and shouldn’t feel a need to rush into anything. CB’s recommendation of Versteeg makes good sense. For the draft, I’d like one of the d-men first round and I really like this kid Brad Ross as a potential second-round pick.
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doublew says:
Does Florida go Defensive defenseman with the third pick (Gudbranson), building from the crease (Jakob Markstrom) out? Or do they go with a forward? Chicago started with Keith (02) and Seabrooke (03), With Toews (06) and Kane (07) coming later.
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I want the #3 from Florida. They still get any foward not named Hall or Seguin and we get our choice of the big 3 defenseman.
C’mon Garth.
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Madchef says:
its been so long since the isles have done something exciting via FA or trade that I get momentarily excited when other teams make trades just to compensate. CB I hope your mock is right. WHy cant the isles bring us some joy?
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Isles81 says:
Isles will do nothing that adds payroll. Cap floor will be it.
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mm30 says:
Cap just went up %5 so isles will have to go 2.8 mill higher to reach the floor but it also gives the teams that actually spend money more room to take the quality players away from the unattractive teams like the Islanders
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David Volek says:
WOW the bruins are gonna be good. Looks like they just got Seguin and Horton for Kessel overall……..great trade, in my opinion.
Panthers are gonna take Connelly now, and thats gonna allow the isles to draft Gudbransen at 5th…..or so i hope.
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neologizer says:
The Yashin cap charge goes up over a million higher then last year. Don’t forget a bunch of RFAs are getting raises also (ala Moulson, Shremp, Bergenheim etc) Plus most of the UFAs that need to be resigned aren’t going to be replaced for cheaper parts.
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Mark In Ottawa says:
This sucks. Horton would have been great with the Isles.
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StevieL says:
Wow! Makes you wonder if the original offer was Horton and the #3 for the #2 pick! Fla. is definite to go forward at 3 and that 15 could easily be Connolly and Mcilrath. Not so bad!
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Seth says:
folks, i would not expect anything big from the islanders but a few smart signings/trades, this team can be a playoff team. lets use teams like New Jersey and Buffalo who really never sign big name free agents and they build from within yet they compete every year. lets see Garth Snow get competitive.
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Gabe says:
The Isles are like a smart kid’s safety school. The kid really doesn’t want to go here but if he’s on too many waitlists and he’s offered some solid scholarship cash, he might just sign on in the end.
I wouldn’t blame Garth for this. It’s not like he’s not trying. The problem is that no one wants to play here. All of those UFAs know that they are a guaranteed lock to get cash from the Isles. So, they just use an offer from us as leverage. If I was Garth, maybe I’d email all of the other teams telling them whom I will not make an offer too. Once we have a new building, things might be different.
By the way, really nice trade by the Bs. Horton would have looked great in an Isles uniform.
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Brian G says:
After these trade will Snow stand pat and play the “we are going with youth” route or will he finally make a substantial trade…since the Smyth trade…he either has his hands tied by Wang not wanting to spend any money or just isn’t a decent GM.
Time for him to Step up and make a trade with the Blackhawks, if he wants to make the playoffs
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I would be ECSTATIC if Connolly went #3 in the Draft to Fla. My Dream scenario has Connolly going 3rd & Gormley going #4 to Columbus, so we can’t take either of them & so the Isles are left with Fowler, Gudbranson, Niederreiter & maybe Granlund to choose from. They couldn’t possibly screw up that scenario. Connolly seems to have the same hip injury DiPietro has. Hopefully we are not crazy enough to Draft a possible headache in B.Connolly. Maybe some other team will get the best out of him, but I know w/ the Islanders, Drafting an injured player means getting an injury-prone player. After years of DiPietro, Martinek, Kenny Jonsson we don’t need to take that a chance on Connolly. Not when there are so many other intriguing options out there.
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steve says:
hopefully florida takes connolly and we get either gudbranson or fowler then use our 2nd plus either our other 2nd or one of our 3rds to move into late 1st round and take kabanov.
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terry says:
I say offer KO and anyone else they want except JT to boston for the number 2 pick. then trade some more picks to the hawks for big buff he play defense and offense and is huge would look good in an isles uniform.
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Gabe #19 If it tells you anything Denis Potvin who was the Panthers long time TV announcer can’t stand Horton. He says he is lazy, unprofessional, doesn’t care, doesn’t want to win bad enough just wants a check etc. Denis knows the make up of a winner so I take that as a huge statement. Plus, there is a concussion issue. So not sad about Isles not getting him even if he did lay a wicked beat down on Asham (which is not easy to do). Guy has skill.
Hopefully, Isles get some players who really desire to win. I see some like Okposo, Tavares, DiPietro, Hamonic, Martin but I see way too many that don’t.
Chris Botta, will the Isles have acquired any significant players by the end of the draft via trade?
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Shremp Co 13 says:
KO isn’t going anywhere terry, but i’m assuming your joking
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KP says:
Florida is the wild card here. If you read the mock draft on Yahoo, it mentions the Islanders are looking for wingers to surround Tavares with and that makes perfect sense. If not Connolly, perhaps Burmistrov or trade down. If they want Gudbranson or Fowler, that’s OK too. Friday night is going to be interesting to watch.
My personal preference is a forward to balance out the scoring. I don’t see Connolly in the NHL next year, but Bailey went right into the NHL so you never know what management will do.
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Nyles says:
Devils did not improve by signing Arnott.
Snow is not the problem, Wang is the problem. He does not put the team first, he puts his self-serving development interests first. The team is hurting because of it, as we are only going to spend to the cap floor once again -
jamal says:
I really hope the top 5 is like CBs mock draft. After losing Sutton in a trade last year the isles need some size and they need some nasty on the blueline. Gudbranson is a perfect fit. In a couple years the D will be stacked when Hamonic De haan and the #5 pick develop
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IslesRock says:
If Gudbranson and Fowler are off the board at 5, I hope Snow can trade down for an extra pick. CB, could you tell us where the Isles stand regarding the cap? Thanks.
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Sounds like the better players are being nabbed before July 1. I am getting a little nervous that we will be too late to the ball.
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4theisles says:
This is depressing – reminds me of some kids going to Ivy League schools with great grades and athletic scholarships becoming great professionals with big homes and beautiful wives and living THE life while your kid can’t graduate from high school. Its called envy and thats how I feel when I read how every season the Isles are settling for crumbs and the rest of the teams go forward – Wang do something – sell the team at least say something!
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Mike says:
We’re all long time islanders fans here. Haven’t we learned anything in the past 5 years!!! Whatever you think they are going to do, they won’t. Whoever you think they will take, they won’t. The Isles management have they’re own way of thinking that sometime is very different from other NHL management. Minus taking Tavares at #1, which I believe they did not have a choice due to fan support, they have shocked us every draft. Whether its trading up, trading down, going with their gut on prospects or signing UFAs you NEVER know what to expect and I promise you this year will be no different. Expect alot of movement by Snow and alot of “REALLY!?!?!” reactions…. be prepared.
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Frank Baxter says:
Everyone who is saying the Isles will not add any payroll is forgetting they have about 9 mill coming off last year’s number. Sutton made 3.5 mill, Weight making 1 mill less, Sim 1 mill , Park 800k, Biron 1.4 mill, Tambellini 600k, Jackman 550k, Freddy Meyer 600k.. etc. They have plenty of money to spend and not a lot of open roster spots if you continue the youth movement.
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James says:
Flyers? Perhaps. Devils? I doubt it. I don’t see them re-signing Kovalchuk or Martin. Brodeur is another year older. Come to think of it, so is Rolston, Arnott, Elias…
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Tom B says:
Why rush now. We’ve been taking our sweet time for 15 years now. Just pick the best defenseman and move on until we get to Queens.
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Hock says:
We have holes to fill on offense and defense, but talented forwards are tough for the Isles to acquire via the free agent market at this time. With that said, the #5 pick would not be wasted on a defenseman, especially a big mean one, if that player is deemed to be the BPA.
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Stevie10703 says:
I can actually see Florida going say Gudbranson with #3 then take a shot at Tarasenko at 15 if he’s available at that slot. They figure they have house money with that 15th pick now and may take the risk on Tarasenko. Or they could go Connolly at 3 and a big d-man at 15. Personally, I still think we need scoring and a legit 1st line prospect because JT can’t do it alone. The only way to do it is the draft because we’re not spending money on a high scoring UFA.
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Jon in Chicago says:
What an offseason if we could come away with Gudbranson and Versteeg. Unfortunately, the Isles are rarely aggressive and I’m betting we end up with Gormley and some depth defenseman signing as our big offseason moves. I hope I’m proved wrong.
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jislander7 says:
Why would you want the Isles to spend that much this year??? The FA class is awful. DO you really want to sign a guy like Paul Martin for 4 years @ 20 million who is slightly better than Jack Hillen? Stay the course and then sign an impact guy like Chicago did with Hossa last year.
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I don’t like the chances of us adding much needed offense. So sad Horton is gone, and I think CB is def right about the Panthers taking Connolly. That might be a bit of a relief considering his hip injuries, but I would have wanted to take the risk with that pick. I really like Horton too, I was hoping we could bring him in somehow. So disappointing. I find myself just telling myself to get used to a lack of excitement and good surprise move.
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check the FA class for next year. That is when Garth should look to spend, the team will have a couple of more stud draft picks, a few of their high prospects will have developed and they will have tons of cash to sign a few guys. Maybe even more than anticipated if Ricky retires and his salary comes off the books.
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Vas says:
#2 Answer is 0% chance!
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The isles will end up signing Andy Sutton again, and hopefully make a trade, that will bring in another vet d man, and vet offensemen. The isles desperately need size. I for one was happy with the re signing of weight.
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Pat says:
Jon #41 agree with you. Go get Versteeg, the only thing it would cost us is picks. Chicago can not take on any more salary. Draft Gudbranson of Fowler at 5 and then try to move up to the middle of the 1st round for some offense. Get it done Garth.
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C.J. says:
Good thing we won those meaningless games late in year. Will do wonders for the Isles being able to nab their guy.
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Grandpa Ray says:
does anyone still have any faith that we will make a big splash?-dont forget we ran out to sign and bring back doug weight
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Jimbo says:
Could not agree with CJ(48) more meaningless April victories for perpetual mediocrity. Wang sell team -then go hang out with Milbury! Draft-Gubrandson ,or Nino.
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
I wanted Hamhuis. He is a great fit for LI, but Grath sits around and gets scooped yet again.
We will pick up scraps and add them to Doug Weight. Great. I hope no one renews their seasons tix. -
jon from nj says:
If the Isles have a shot at Gudbranson, and do not take him, I’m done.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I’m not going to complain if that trade means the Isles are more likely going to be left with Gudbranson.
What I have noticed is that Horton going to the B’s just solidifies their lineup, and makes them with the #2 pick more of a lock to take up one of the top 5 spots in the standings for a while.
There really will only be 3 spots to fight for the next few years in the East … and there are some hungry improving teams in the East just ready to put their perennial stamp on the standings … The Isles are going to have to get a lot better than just drafting a top 5 pick to get into the dance the next few years.
Assuming health remains in tact here’s my Beasts of the East: Pens, Caps, Flyers, Bruins and Devils (by Broduer default). Knocking on the door pending a few tweaks: Sabres, Habs and Sens.
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It always seems that other teams get better while we remain stagnant. Its time to take a significant step forward.
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Andrew Ladd and Kris Versteeg would look awesome as our #2 #3 LW.
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Frans Dish says:
The Isles fans need to have patience. No one said a rebuild is a fast process. Once the ball gets rolling with a new arena and the promise of the team progressing people will then want to play here. Garth is trying to make smart signings with good value. Also, we can’t jump down the guys throat for picking the prospects that ours scouts believe will be the type of players we need.
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Tucson Isles Fan says:
#54…Stagnant? If I recall we went from 61 to 79 pts year to year. An 18 point gain. Another step up of 12-15 pts than we are in the playoffs.
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Pete says:
I don’t get all these people clamoring for some “exciting” trade from our GM.
Trades can help, but this team still needs to finish their rebuild, and doing some Mad Mike-esque trade to send a thrill up the fanbase’s leg, is not the best course of action for this franchise.
Slow, steady, rebuild. It takes time; 2001 (and what happened in the next 5 seasons) is the perfect example of what happens when you ditch a rebuild and try to rush your franchise back to respectability,
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Isles should sign 4 players this summer Zherdev, Milchalek, Malholtra and Sutton
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Irish Isle says:
Im glad the Isles didnt get Horton, he’s a regular Tinman. Maybe BigZ will get him to hustle, but I dont want the highest paid player on the Isles to hustle the least.
Lets remember there is a difference between spending and spending wisely. The Rangers are very good at spending money, but where has that gotten them?
Here is my top 5 Projection/Wish List
1. Edmonton – Hall
2. Boston – Seguin
3. Florida – Connolly is the Face for the new regime
4. Columbus – Gudbranson, there top two D prospects are known for the offense, they select the crease clearer
5. Islanders – Fowler, Perfect for the Isles system, should improve both their defense and offense. -
Bruce says:
I suspect that part of the reason for Weight to be resigned is not only for the youngsters on the team but for incoming signings this summer as we don’t have the personalities on the team to be recognizable. Weight still has respect in the league.
Just a thought.
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THE PORK CHOP EXPRESS says:
Very good moves by boston. they will increase there offensive production. as for the the isles they have to take the best available player. The isles will have a choice of connolly, gudbrason, fowler, gromely or nino. The isles have nothing to trade so don’t expect anything big. their only asset is cap space so if they don’t take on huet’s contract I dont see versteeg or anyone else coming from Chicago. I hope they dont make any big signings because there are none in this UFA market. I hope they make smart signings such as saku koviu, matt cullen, and bring back sutton for two year deals. this will bring more leadership and tradeable assets.
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Lance79 says:
Now that it looks more likely that Florida is taking a forward, a great summer for the Isles might be:
-Draft either Gudbranson or Fowler, dump a second rounder or two for Hartnell and/or Versteeg
-Sign Volchenkov or Z. Michalek to give Fowler/Gudbranson, De Haan and Hamonic time to grow next year in juniors, Oshawa and Bridgeport respectivelyOh wait, this is the Islanders we’re talking about… so a worst case scenario just might be us trading down (again) and our big summer signing might just be Weight and maybe acquiring up Huet as a salary cap paperweight. The raises coming to Moulson and Schremp’s new deal may just take us the rest of the way to the cap floor.
Excuses about ‘local politicians’ diffidence and resistance delaying a new arena discouraging free agents’ coming in five, four, three, two, one….
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kbulger22 says:
Does the rebuild mean we finish in the bottom five for four to six years, then BAM! win the cup? That’s not my impression. Someone mentioned we made a 16 point progress this season,and if we make another 12 point jump or so we’ll be a playoff team. I agree with that assessment. I think if injuries and other factors didn’t cause that slump back in February, we might have been a playoff team this year.
If this rebuild is for real, then we should see some a few significant additions this off season to make that 12 point jump probable. I’m not talking high priced free agents, I’m talking two or three solid players to even out offense and defense. From a competitive point of view with the salary floor where it is, there’s no reason not to. If we don’t, I think we can assume that Wang and Snow are jerking us around with this rebuild bs, or at least are not as serious about it as they want us to think.
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I’d love to see the Isles go out and sign the Boogieman to give these young guys some protection and confidence. One of the Chicago guys would be nice and the Isles are less likely to haunt the Hawks in the near future should they dump one here but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them dump salary our way as well as part of any deal. The isles taking on salary from somewhere makes sense as there are plenty of teams looking to dump it and there isn’t a whole lot worth spending it on in the FA market. Here’s hoping that Garth can turn that and the draft into some prospects that will help down the road.
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Sidd Finch says:
Oh, as for the Weight signing, although I am not crazy about it, I honestly think it is a crutch more for JT than anyone else. Considering he lives with him and is a very big part of his Island family, I think the Islanders need to protect their greatest asset in this way. He will be a positive influence on the other youngsters, but not like with JT. It would not surprise me to see him scratched for up to half the season, but the domestic structure for Tavares is likely the key consideration. Don’t be surprised to see the Islanders attempt to move him onto the coaching/scouting staff by years end. That’s my two cents.
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SCLI says:
As the last few days wind down to the draft not much has really changed since April, except for the rhetoric. Its still Fowler Gudbranson Connolly or Gormley as our #5 pick. Although I prefer another, my bet is Snow takes Gormley at #5. Nice and safe. But again, not my preference.
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John says:
I can see the Isles drafting Connolly and then having Krill fall to them and then Connolly has a Ricky D career and Krill ends up at Bellevue.
Way too early IMO. Bruins/Devils/Flyers were locks anyway…Panthers still don’t have enough.