I would do Mantha + for Laine.
I probably would do Zadina + for Laine. For someone drafted 6th overall, the ceiling can’t be much higher than Laine
Zadina projects to be a 30-35 goal, 70+ point 2-way winger in his best years.
Raymond projects to be a 20-25 goal, 70+ point 2-way winger in his best years.
Patrik Laine is a 35-45 goal, 70+ point one-dimensional winger
now.
All the talk of trading Zadina + is kind of ridiculous. He's not the shiny new toy anymore but he's still one hell of a prospect and was ranked 3rd or 4th overall in his draft class. I'm not saying he'll be better than Laine, but I wouldn't bet against him having a more positive impact for whatever team he's on in 5 years time than Laine. Even if Raymond and Zadina only churn out 55-60 point seasons their play away from the puck will do more to help this team than the extra few points that Laine would get while ignoring the defensive zone.
Numbers show that Laine isn't his line's driver, but the finisher. Both Mantha and Zadina are line drivers, AND line finishers. They also show that Laine is very bad defensively. Mantha is only about average, but still better than Laine, and Zadina looks pretty decent out there as well.
That Winnipeg team would be better off without Laine by trading him for a true secondary winger and defensive depth. If Detroit adds Laine to this squad we're still very bad and like
@SirloinUB said it would be like the Toronto days when they were trying to build around Phil Kessel.
Let Laine end up in Phoenix or some other destination. I think we're better off showing restraint and patience, and allowing our home grown kids to play.