MacKinnon vs Neal

[Kofax]

Just wondering how you would rank these two players. Based on past performance, you're likely taking Neal, but does MacKinnon pass him in the near future?

[kovalchuk17]

i fully expect mackinnon to pass him within a few years. neal is turning 27 this year and goal-scoring (but not necessarily assists) tends to drop-off for most players when they hit 30. in contrast, mackinnon is turning 19 this year. he has his whole career ahead of him and hes already put up a 63 point season

[gainerama]

I'd give it a year, maybe two tops before Mackinnon surpasses Neal, or sooner if Neal gets traded off PIT. This is nothing against Neal as a player, it's just Mackinnon is a different level of player and shouldn't be compared to him.

[petegreg21]

Ou this is a good one! Neal will provide more PIMs and hits, though neither is significant enough to be deemed irreplaceable. Points wise, I think we saw Neal's cap at 81 in 2011-12. I think MacKinnon can surpass that by 2015-2016 (though I wouldn't be surprised if he did it next season). If Stastny leaves, MacKinnon will also likely shift back to C which will give you extra FOW from your RW (He's C/RW in yahoo as I'm sure you know). I also like him better for +/- and GWG. PPP could be a toss up for a few years (as long as Neal is in Pittsburgh).

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

Mac over Neal, regardless of league.

[ztking]

MacKinnon. Neal's value is so closely tied to Malkin that I'd worry about that changing and having a huge impact on his production. MacKinnon will be a star by himself. I like the guy that doesn't rely on help as much to produce. And like some have said I see MacK passing him by 2015-2016. Also less injury risk.

[Bomm Bastic]

In a G/A league only??? Mac all day any day...limited keeper or dynasty

[pmorrow]

I don't own either, but if I had Neal I would trade him for MacKinnon and if I had MacKinnon I wouldn't trade him for Neal. I dunno who scores more next season, probably pretty close, but I'm not a huge Neal fan and think he can't hit more than 85 even if he plays all 82 games. If he gets traded away from the Penguins, he could turn into a 60-70 point player like a Rick Nash. Whereas, I think MacKinnon is going to hit 90 points several times in his career, maybe chip in a 100 point year or two.

[blayze]

In a keeper league MacK wins easily.

[austeane]

If you are heavily multi-cat, Neal is the best there is. If it is focused on points, go with MacK