Which breakout superstar would you rather build a team around, Jason Robertson or Tage Thompson?

Wegman: Thompson, and I swear this isn't recency bias after watching the Buffalo Sabres star's five-goal outburst last week. Both are exceptional talents, but I lean toward Thompson because he's a center, and all great teams are built strong down the middle. Plus, at 6-foot-7 with soft hands and a heavy shot, his ceiling is limitless. If we're factoring contracts into the decision, Thompson, 25, is signed through the prime of his career with an extremely team-friendly seven-year, $50-million extension that begins next season. Robertson is signed through 2025-26 at a $7.75-million cap hit before he's due for a sizable raise.

Matisz: Robertson – for four main reasons. First, he's two years younger. Given their ages, this typically wouldn't be an important distinction. However, we're talking about building a team around one or the other, so the gap is a key data point. Second, Robertson's top attribute is his brain. One of the more cerebral players in the sport, the Dallas Stars winger's hockey IQ is off the charts. Thompson, meanwhile, relies heavily on physical gifts, which tend to deteriorate sooner and quicker. In other words, I'll probably prefer having 28-year-old Robertson over 28-year-old Thompson. Third, Robertson is arguably a more polished dual threat. He can facilitate scoring chances one shift and pull the trigger himself the next. Lastly, while neither is a defensive specialist, I trust Robertson's off-puck chops slightly more than Thompson's.

True or false: One of the Oilers or Rangers – both conference finalists last year – will miss the playoffs.

Wegman: True. It's hard to imagine that the Rangers and Oilers – with as much star power as they possess – are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs at this stage of the season, but here we are. I'm less concerned about Edmonton, mainly because the Pacific Division and Western Conference are much easier. But New York is in tough playing in the much deeper Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. Igor Shesterkin masked a lot of the Rangers' issues a year ago. Now that he's playing at a human-like level, the Blueshirts are being exposed for who they really are – a team with plenty of flaws.

Matisz: False. I don't care how unreliable the goaltending is, the probability of a team with prime Connor McDavid and prime Leon Draisaitl missing the playoffs is close to zero. The Oilers are in a wild-card spot with Evander Kane sidelined for half the season. Kane (wrist injury) is expected back around February, and surely a piece or two will be added before the trade deadline.