McMetal
Writer of Wrongs
- Sep 29, 2015
- 14,387
- 12,585
Montreal is a pressure cooker unlike any team Laine has ever played for. Winnipeg is a Canadian market, sure, but it's not the same as the scrutiny you face in a place like Montreal. Those fans have been depressed for a long time, and the expectations for him will be tremendous.
I could see it playing out not too differently than another top 3 pick who ended up there: Jonathan Drouin. Former top pick who is struggling, expected to be a top player. Laine isn't also French Canadian on top of that, but still, the harsh lights of that town will only get brighter if he doesn't immediately make an impact on the ice. For somebody who may already be struggling with mental health, it's not an ideal landing spot.
It may end up being an absolute steal for Montreal, but if it goes wrong the big loser of the trade won't be the team, it will be Laine.
I could see it playing out not too differently than another top 3 pick who ended up there: Jonathan Drouin. Former top pick who is struggling, expected to be a top player. Laine isn't also French Canadian on top of that, but still, the harsh lights of that town will only get brighter if he doesn't immediately make an impact on the ice. For somebody who may already be struggling with mental health, it's not an ideal landing spot.
It may end up being an absolute steal for Montreal, but if it goes wrong the big loser of the trade won't be the team, it will be Laine.