Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
I think it's a decent gamble for the Habs in that even if he's a power play specialist, they should get another pick for him at the trade deadline in the last year of his deal. I would have been fine with the Flames taking him on but I wouldn't be expecting him to turn into an elite player or anything as the guy is a one trick pony and always will be. I think it's time people realize that 2016 was a long time ago and he's in bust/below expectations territory with PLD, Puljujuarvi, and Juolevi.
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Big difference in those names though and can't all be grouped together.
Puljujarvi and Juolevi are busts.
PLD and Laine are more in the "Have shown flashes of being a great player, but are very inconsistent and tend to have off ice question marks about their character. Plus they are getting paid too much."
Wouldn't say either is a bust, but in both cases they just haven't been able to consistently put it all together.
The Phil Kessel comparison is apt for Laine I think...he's actually averaged 35 goals and 65 points per 82 games for his career...which is nothing to scoff about. But his character and commitment questions are the issue. If he can end up somewhere that can shelter him and use him to his strengths (like Kessel in Pittsburgh) then you probably have a pretty good player that can have a positive impact.