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Max is American, Rick is Canadian and a former first overall pick who Toronto wanted for years. Buzz there is a bit different. Kane has a bit of different buzz, kind of controversy that follows him. Talk was that at the deadline, Florida and Calgary was very interested in him but Bergevin's asking prices were extremely high. He asked about Trochek as a return for Pacioretty. Come the draft, it looked like the Kings were willing to pay but wanted Max at a 6x6 not an 8x6 so they signed Kovalchuk as a UFA for three years instead. Calgary signed Neal, Florida got Hoffman. The Islanders might still be interested. I think the Rangers could want him too even if they are rebuilding. He'd be a good captain during the transition years. But basically the teams who were in a real hunt for a top winger got their wingers. That's why there's no buzz right now. At this point, Bergevin is hoping for an arm's race. Tampa and Toronto know they have each other to beat. Boston and Florida want in that mix. Washington wants to repeat and Pittsburgh wants revenge. Philly and NJ are looking for that move to get them into the mix. Columbus has to figure out Panarin who will be the only guy more valuable than Pacioretty. Over in the west the Central is the toughest division in the league and the Pacific has a declining Anaheim trying to reverse fortunes, Vegas trying to repeat success, two underachieving Alberta teams, and an intriguing Arizona team. The ball is in Bergevin's courts for his rentals and getting max value for them, which I think he's done well for selling at the trade deadline, but if he's insisting on the price for Pacioretty which it was last year? Forget it.

I can admire a man who knows the ship is sinking but hold his head up high and carries on all the same...

Agreed. Even one d-man who can move the puck very well will make a huge difference; suddenly all our FWs will start looking better - mark my words. MB's complete inability to understand the importance of puck-moving defencemen in today's game is one of the most astonishing manifestations of ignorance by any GM I can think of.