That was no slight to Skinner. I obviously want him. I've said it many times. My intent in that post is to explain where we are with teh cap in 2019 and what those players cost. 9m is 2.2m more than we are paying Phil. Is that guy 2.2m more? That i am not sure of.
Bottom line - players are expensive in UFA. That's my point.
I still take Kessel at his age over Skinner.
Skinner may have goals going for him, but Kessel isn't far off and brings a lot more, has done more, and will never have Skinner top his best year let alone his 5th best year. But goals for 5 years.... for these guys. Skinner doesn't bring much, or enough to be in the discussion otherwise.
Kessel has out produced him overall over that span by 100+ points, in on Conn Smythe talk and more. Has 5 seasons of PPG marks.
Phil is a special player, and Skinner is a goal scorer, but not much more.
That isn't worth 2.2 more, no matter age, or if he scores more goals on depleted teams and brings little beyond that.
Kessel brought what he does for well before the last 5 seasons. Only people with agendas would want the lesser player.
) he was going to sign in Buffalo.
