Matt Karash: Canes 2013 Eval Part 4: Slotting and roles for Canes forwards

To me: the offseason to-do list at forward looks like this:

1. Figure out what to do with Jeff Skinner? Where does he play? If it's not with J. Staal and Ruutu does it make sense from a team philosophy standpoint to build an offense leaning 3rd line around him? What's the cost of that?

2. Bring in a bunch (2 at least) of bottom 6 forwards who are a pain to play against.

3. What's the story with Victor Rask? Will he need all of some of a season in Charlotte before making the leap? Could he be ready this year?

To me: the offseason to-do list at forward looks like this:

1. Figure out what to do with Jeff Skinner? Where does he play? If it's not with J. Staal and Ruutu does it make sense from a team philosophy standpoint to build an offense leaning 3rd line around him? What's the cost of that?

2. Bring in a bunch (2 at least) of bottom 6 forwards who are a pain to play against.

3. What's the story with Victor Rask? Will he need all of some of a season in Charlotte before making the leap? Could he be ready this year?
- Gossler1

Ranger fans are really heating up to a Staal Skinner deal and debating it. Would this be a 1 for 1? Sometimes I think we need a tad more but 1 for 1 might work as well.

Ranger fans are really heating up to a Staal Skinner deal and debating it. Would this be a 1 for 1? Sometimes I think we need a tad more but 1 for 1 might work as well.
- mrhattrick27

To be honest, I have no idea. When I posted my blog suggesting this awhile back I got about an even split of people who told me me it made sense, who told me the Rangers would never do it and who told me the Canes would never do it. I would interpret that to mean that it is reasonably fair deal for each side.

My hunch is that whatever else had to be added either way would be small. If Richards really is headed toward being bought out that would free some long-term salary cap for the Rangers and also would seem to create an opening for another top end offense type of player.

The continued eye issue with Staal and the fact that he'll probably come to Carolina on his own in 2 seasons has made me really rethink trading Skinner for him. I'm not so sure I'd even offer that 1 for 1 at this point.

The continued eye issue with Staal and the fact that he'll probably come to Carolina on his own in 2 seasons has made me really rethink trading Skinner for him. I'm not so sure I'd even offer that 1 for 1 at this point.
- Gossler1

Makes me still wonder why we didn't wait out this year, wait for Jordan to become a UFA and sign him. Instead we trade away an underrated player and a decent prospect.

I still can't believe you let a player of this caliber go for virtually nothing:

We just have to say thank you...very much. Such a good guy and above average hockey IQ.