Cherry picking. Could just as easily and more importantly state that he was very much visible against the Oilers when the actual Cup was on the line. Impactful player in games 2 & 3 in particular which the Panthers won. Florida had the luxury of putting him on their 3rd line to give them great forward depth, just like the Bruins did with Hall in 2023, and it paid off. Was never going to produce as much playing that role and reduced minutes, but he did his bit and got a 2nd Cup for it.
I actually don't want him on the Bruins. Never said I did. Don't think he's the right fit for us. I just disagree that he's washed up. He's past his peak, but if you're still going at over .700 PPG and getting head-hunted by the best team in the league, I think you've still got something to offer. Is it enough to justify $4.75 AAV? Don't know. But he's only 32 and on a two-year deal. Not like Detroit are going out on a limb thinking he's far from cooked.