Welcome to Puckhead Nation, the discussion forum here at Informative Sports where five of our hockey writers (Ethan Calof, Zach Bigalke, Chris Capcara, Michael Hanson, and Fernando Redondo) debate topics pertinent to the NHL and the greater world of hockey today. This free-flowing and dynamic discussion is something never seen among the major media outlets. Main topics of discussion are listed in bold.

(Full disclosure: Ethan is an Ottawa-based Detroit Red Wings fan. Zach is an Oregon-based Montreal Canadiens fan. Chris is a Pittsburgh-based Penguins fan. Fernando is a South Florida-based Lightning fan. Michael is a Red Wings fan from Winnipeg . For more information, see their respective profiles.) 

Ethan: Welcome back to the second season of Puckhead Nation! I'm joined today by Zach, Chris, Michael, and Fernando to dissect the NHL offseason in almost every way possible. Of course, a welcome is in order to our newest writer Fernando, who has agreed to join our discussion board from Saint Leo by way of Puerto Rico to replace Mac, who unfortunately had to leave. This week, we are also joined by Flyers fan Brady Ford for a cameo appearance. Now, as we look back on this past offseason, which teams made some of the best and worst signings of the summer?

Zach: The most confusing signing in my mind was the five-year deal that the New York Rangers lavished on oft-injured winger Marian Gaborik. Now, I understand that Gaborik is an electric scorer... when he is actually able to find his way onto the ice. He's missed at least fifteen games in four of the past five seasons, and at 27 one must wonder what his dedication is to conditioning and preparing his body for the inevitable hits that come with a job in the NHL. This deal reeks to me of the Rangers throwing yet more good money at bad solutions.

Ethan: Call me crazy, or at least moderately insane, but I kinda like this signing. What was the Rangers' most pressing need last season? Offense. The only strategy with which they could win games last season was choking off the opposition and relying on "King" Henrik Lundqvist to steal games for them. What does Gaborik bring to the table? Offense, and lots of it. You have valid concerns on his consistency, but he brings to the table exactly what the Rangers need. If he could score in Minnesota, then he can definitely produce in the Big Apple.

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Enjoy!