Looking at who is being signed within division, we're not going to be competitive
I don't disagree,
But I don't think the signing of a depth forward is really a good indicator. This isn't a bad contract for what Kapanen brings, and the plan all along hasn't really been to be all that competitive.
What I don't and probably wont understand still is the moving out Hayes part of the equation.
It seems like it was an internal monetary desire. Either that or it was a favor to Hayes, which is also likely given the ties with the Tkachuks. Just seemed like a pricey favor, even if I agree that I wouldn't want any of the young guys to make the team and be strapped to Hayes who plays a completely obscure style compared to most centers in the NHL.
Fwiw, yes Nashville is loading up with Stamkos and Marchessault. But their defense has gotten significantly worse and alot of their team is aging and they carry over 10m in dead cap. I wouldn't say we can't be competitive with them with little additions and them even adding a defenseman.
Colorado, Winnipeg, Dallas we still probably aren't going to be competitive with.
Nashville, Minnesota we are probably about a wash with them in positioning within the standings on paper
Utah and Chicago are adding, but I don't think they're there yet.
Worst case scenario we are awful next year and we get a great pick
Again, Kapanen shouldn't make or break our season, but he's not a bad player for the bottom 6 especially if he's looking to be an extra forward.