A 33-year old who scored 44 goals over the past two years is worth a 1st rd pick with 4 months left on his contract (Nash).
A 32-year old who scored more than 50 pts only twice over the past 6 years (lockout prorated included) is worth a 1st rd pick with 4 months left on his contract (Stastny).
A bottom-six guy who has fewer goals in his career than Skinner had had in three single seasons is worth a 1st rd pick (Hartman).
A 30-year old third-line center is worth a 1st rd pick (Brassard).
A 27-year old who scored 45 goals over the past two years and could easily be predicted an overpaid bust is worth a 1st rd pick (Tatar).
A 26-year old who has 61 goals over the past two years, three 30+ goal seasons, and 10 months left, is NOT worth a 1st? Okay, Buffalo would be dumb to give up their own 1st rd pick, but don't tell me that Carolina couldn't have at least got the picks from San Jose or St.Louis. No matter how you judge Skinner as a player, this is just a bad trade if you put it into perspective, period.
Also, I think it sends a completely wrong message to the team. This young Canes team was supposed to push for the playoffs, and now they sell one of the best forwards without getting a roster player in return? Is the GM signalling his players "go easy guys, let's go for another high pick"?
Carolina was my (not-so-much)-darkhorse for a wildcard spot, but if this is their philosophy, 7th or 8th in the Metro seems more likely.
Buffalo, on the other hand, I predict to finish 5th in the Atlantic in 2019 and in the playoffs in 2020 (especially if they can resign Skinner).