Quote:
Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague
How do you figure?
Laine is established as probably the best pure goal scorer in the group, other than, arguably, Matthews. In his first two seasons he's scored at a 41 and 44 goal pace respectively. If not for his recent slump he's probably up there near the top tier at the 11+M price point, if slightly below it on account of being a winger. Even with that slump he's still on pace for 39, but will mostly be paid based on his body of work over 3 years rather than this season..
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You can't discredit the slump though. Laine has four goals in his past 29 games. On pace for 39 goals and 54 points still but that pace slows as each games passes. He's looked TERRIBLE the past 2 1/2 months.
Yes you have to factor in the previous two seasons but if Tkachuk's production keeps increasing through those three seasons and Laine's dips in the last that's going to play into it.
When Laine isn't scoring he's invisible like he is now. Tkachuk still brings a physical element, a decent two-way game for his young age and leadership. Those things are factored in during negotiations. Honestly they're probably a lot closer than some people would like to believe.
Laine might've gotten off the plane first, pushing and shoving his way to the front. Meanwhile Tkachuk formed an orderly queue and both are meeting at baggage at the same time.