Pettersson is great and I would love to have him on this team but sometimes we forget just how dynamic a player Panarin has been. He scored 95 points in 69 games in 19-20, and 58 points in 42 games in 20-21. Both of those seasons would have likely been 100+ point seasons if it wasn't for covid. It doesn't matter anyway because the Rangers are never getting Pettersson.
I was asking folks opinion…do you believe that it would be difficult to replace what he is bringing to the lineup? Is what he is providing on a game by game basis a challenge to replace?
I did this exercise before the season started.
avid supporters i'm sure through over hundred of pages dedicated to him some have pointed out that he scored 19 ev goals in 21-22, during that season only 69 players had more - that's impressive and i won't deny that. so during that season looking to replace him with another player that was making around the same $$$ would have been real hard. the season after well that's another story.
I’d say this thread is about 10% people saying “hey it’s disappointing he’s not going to be an elite player but statistically he produces like a solid top 6er and that’s before ever being placed in a position to succeed, let’s keep him w Panarin since they’re playing well and there’s no better option since we traded our 1 line RW for dookie”
There's a real "flashiness" bias aside from just the shitting on Laf. If some people don't get to go "ooooh" and "aaaaah" they think the play took no skill. As if Kreider getting a stick on a shot and deflecting it into the net wasn't skilled on several levels, getting to the front at the right time, finding the space, holding the position, not getting tied up, in addition to the actual deflection. Knowing where to go, how to get there and when to get there is a hugely important hockey skill, but doesn't get highlights and praise on sportscenter. When a player taps one in or gets a deflection, "anyone could do it"... except if everyone can do it, why aren't they? Sure anyone can forecheck and cause a turnover, or deflect an opponent's pass right to a teammate for the turnover... but for some reason, pure luck I suppose, some players do it more than others.
Maybe the middle ground is not as vocal or replied to as much. I can see that some people are really down on Laf but I do not think they are 90% of this thread. It does not help any of us for him to do badly. People that want Laf to do badly are cutting their nose to spite their face. "Being right" is not worth that in my opinion. All NYR fans benefit if Laf excels.
It is normal though when you draft #1 to not be an elite in that draft might trigger a new rebuild. I hope u are aware of that, and if so happen (3-5) years of awful hockey until we hit with someone who is that elite player we need.
But to think like that is kind of depressing, because 1 day at the time. 
Being "right" makes people feel validated and happy though; depending on the person, perhaps happier than the team doing better...
Hughes has 1 5v5 point so far. Swamp rats have been struggling 5v5. Can’t give him open ice though
I think 10% of your math is correct, while the other 90% has no clue what you're talking about. 90% of the fans here aren't denying any facts. They understand the even strength production. They understand where our lines rank 5 games in. They even share stats and facts that weren't in Lafreniere's favor for much of his career.
This is the problem with the discussion though. Everyone here is convinced that Laf/Kakko are bad but nobody can give a reason other than “uhh they don’t do Jack Hughes stuff” or “I don’t notice them”. Whether you go by the most basic production stats or analytics they are good players. Not dynamic play drivers but good complimentary wingers on by far the best lines that NYR have iced the last two seasons.
I do not think everyone here is convinced Laf/Kakko are bad. I can see both sides of this discussion. You say they are good players but not dynamic drivers of play. That they are good complimentary wingers. Would you say that is what is what is hoped for from a #1 and a #2 overall draft pick? I think that is where some disappointment comes in to play.
