Hold out for more? Laine literally rejected one trade (to Minnesota). He had a NMC. And the team wanted him gone, and everybody knew it. Waddell’s hands were tied.
When he was supposed to come, I wrote that he was underrated. Who believed me?
So you just quit? The puck bounced over his stick, it didn’t rocket to the other side of the rink. It’s a horrible look
Ideally not, but the puck went right to a TBL player who moved it to Point immediately
His hands weren't tied though. He always had the option of telling Laine that teams weren't willing to take him unless the Jackets added an asset to move him, and that such a move wasn't going to happen.
For the record, I wish Patty the best as a man, but I dont miss him as a player at all.
We don't really hear about trades that don't happen or when players aren't moved. Yes Laine could have blocked virtually any trade, but that doesn't mean you have to trade him. If he blocks the best trade, tell him that you won't move him then and he can deal with things in his own way. Keep the pick. Waddell isn't out there to make friends or do people favors, he is there to maximize value and assemble as much talent on the roster as possible. Win and players will want to be here. Lose and they won't.
So, are you implying that trade requests dont leak? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but that would require completely useless agents.
I am not implying that, no. What I am stating is that a trade request is not an ultimatum. If you keep a player who has made a trade request, it is not the end of the world. And if the rest of the players are professionals, they'll know how to tune out a malcontent.
Ask the Rangers how they are doing with a hard nosed GM who has a suck it up buttercup attitude...this is also how you get stuck with everyone who signs in your organization demanding an NMC that could cripple you down the road 4-5 years from now.
