In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which Metro Division team has had the best off-season to date.
Todd Cordell
I have to go with the New York Rangers. They've had a near perfect off-season, bringing in a nice mix of youth and high-end talent.
Artemi Panarin has been one of the best wingers in the league since he signed in Chicago and that's not going to change anytime soon. Jacob Trouba is very mobile, hits like a truck, and just put up 50 points in his only season seeing PP1 duties. Kaapo Kakko is an NHL-ready winger who will almost certainly be a star sooner than later. Adam Fox was a shrewd addition as well, and getting commitments from Vitali Kravtsov, Egor Rykov, and Igor Shesterkin is the icing on the cake.
The New Jersey Devils made some great moves as well, however, I give the slight edge this off-season to New York.
Sean Maloughney The Rangers had a very strong off-season, adding top free agent Artemi Panarin as well as a potential future 50 goal scorer in 2nd overall pick Kappo Kakko. As well the Rangers absolutely hosed the Winnipeg Jets, acquiring Trouba for pennies on the dollar.
It is incredibly close but I am going to give the edge to the New Jersey Devils. On Day 1 of the draft they made the obvious selection of Jack Hughes first overall but they followed up on Day 2 with a shocking deal, acquiring PK Subban, again for pennies on the dollar. Personally I would rather have Subban and Hughes over Trouba and Kakko.
The Devils signed Wayne Simmonds to a one year deal at 5 million which was another solid bet. Currently the Devils have roughly 20 million dollars in cap space to make more additions. The two teams that finished last in the Metro Division could be flip flopped this season.
Pete Tessier It's a tie because the results need to be seen to know who comes out on top but it's the Devils and Rangers- let's see a fight to the death between them.
With the 1-2 picks in the lottery and adding Hughes and Kakko plus Panarin and Trouba along with Subban and Simmonds and these two cross area rivals have the potential to be 1994 all over again.
I want to pick a winner but it's a draw until we see the results of next season.
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