Canes decline.

fantastic reading comprehension.
A+

So this is essentially Buchnevich over Panarin, and slightly more cap flexibility...

I don't understand it. Panarin is exponentially better in the regular season, and the jury is out on Buch's playoff prowess considering his low GP. Even with Panarin's one bad playoff year, he outscores Buch in the other comparable years.

I just think the current lineup is better, especially since Fast seems to always weasel his way into the top 6 for whatever reason and lower offensive production. He's a great 3rd liner, but NYR coaches always put him on the 2nd line for some reason.

I still think NYR would've went for Panarin in that off season anyway, and you would just take away Trocheck and Goodrow here to compensate, who were both signed after the fact

In matter of production Panarin makes more points but he is small and do not play the same way Buchnevich does. I think Buch brings more physicality and edge to the lineup. Besides he doesn't care who he plays with. Panarin reportedly refuse to play with Chytil and Kakko for example. I also think cap flexibility is important for a rebuilding team, and Buchnevich has much more years playing pro than Panarin has. I think 2019-20 season Panarin was amazing but his lackluster defensive play hurts who he can play with. He and Kane was awful and it just seems difficult for him to mesh with linemates. Except when he was playing with Strome and Fast. They got the best out of him.

If you have any other great players you want to gift to the blues we would happily take them!

You have to ask Drury 🙃 but I'm sure there is more to come 👍