I still think Kakko is half a second behind the pace of the game. Would probably put Laf there even though he seems more suited to the half wall - in time he’ll take Panarin’s place or run PP2 with Kakko taking the bumper on PP1.
I agree, a big part of Kakko's problem is his mental processing and, in the same vein, his confidence.
The physical skills are there for a very, very good player (though obviously some things there could stand to improve too, like further developing his strength, improving his average speed, improving his shot, etc), but his biggest is for him is mental.
Which is, I think, good, because unless he's too dumb (and I don't think he is), then it's all just experience and learning, and he'll come around. And I think for a European player we should expect that it takes a few years to take off sometimes.
If the kid line is for real, it severely complicates the Copp decision. There’s no doubting his value to the team, but the assumption has been that he’d be replacing Strome on line 2.
$5M for a versatile 2C is a great deal. $5M for a versatile 3C, when you have several big raises coming down the line, is a dangerous proposition.
They need to be taking into account the next contracts for Laf, Kakko, KAM, and Chytil before signing anymore long term contracts.
You are right. And no one will want to talk about that angle. But if the Chytil-Laf-Kakko line is truly ascending rapidly, and Panarin joins the Zibanejad-Kreider line, then paying Copp $5m is bad for business. His contract better not have NMCs or NTCs.
Even if we do pay Copp big money, you better sign Kakko first this offseason. You can't risk losing him to a cheap offer sheet where the signing team only has to give you less than a first round pick.
