Let’s talk about Lafreniere. What kind of player is he turning into?

[Raspewtin]

You know, my impression of him up until this series was that he was decent but didn’t stand out a whole lot. But that impression has changed. He’s looked like a first-overall caliber player

Hope he continues to grow

helps that he's been 1 of 3 forwards who have been good against you guys.

 

[tfong]

There is no projection where he's middle 6. He's a top liner at even strength and a second liner at worst even if you don't adjust for no PP1 time.

I didn't say projection, I said right now though? I even said he has plenty of time for growth, he's having a great playoffs but I'm not ready to re-evaluate until I see this kind of play through a full season.

Yeah this is completely wrong

How so? Just because I don't think he's firmly cemented himself as a top line guy yet? He elevated his play in the playoffs currently but I like to see more over a full season before I'm confident in calling him a top line guy.

 

[ORRFForever]

You think he’ll be better than Jack Hughes? lol

You mean he isn't already?

 

[hawksrule]

He’s having a great playoffs, and has taken some big strides in his game. Much more confidence.

 

[ShootIt]

Can he return to bust status just for this series?

K, thanks.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I didn't say projection, I said right now though? I even said he has plenty of time for growth, he's having a great playoffs but I'm not ready to re-evaluate until I see this kind of play through a full season.



How so? Just because I don't think he's firmly cemented himself as a top line guy yet? He elevated his play in the playoffs currently but I like to see more over a full season before I'm confident in calling him a top line guy.

I think if you said top 6 that would be met with less resistence. He had 57 points this season, that's top 6 already. That's just outside of top 100 players. That's firmly a second liner even if you don't account for lack of PP1 time. Middle 6 insinuates he's a borderline 3rd liner.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

A good/very good complimentary top 6 player.

 

[Machinehead]

I really like the Corey Perry comparison.

Lafreniere is big, annoying, scores goals. It works.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think if you said top 6 that would be met with less resistence. He had 57 points this season, that's top 6 already. That's just outside of top 100 players. That's firmly a second liner even if you don't account for lack of PP1 time. Middle 6 insinuates he's a borderline 3rd liner.

I think you are even giving up a little too much.

That 100 includes defensemen. For forwards, he’s tied 90th (tie goes from 90-93). 32 teams and 3 first line forwards per game, so hypothetically there should be 96 first line forwards in the league. He’s firmly within that top 96. And as you said, no PP1 time. I’m sure you’d find that none or a few of those other 92 don’t play PP1.

Scoring wise, he’s absolutely a first liner at this point.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I think you are even giving up a little too much.

That 100 includes defensemen. For forwards, he’s tied 90th (tie goes from 90-93). 32 teams and 3 first line forwards per game, so hypothetically there should be 96 first line forwards in the league. He’s firmly within that top 96. And as you said, no PP1 time. I’m sure you’d find that none or a few of those other 92 don’t play PP1.

Scoring wise, he’s absolutely a first liner at this point.

Yeah, I didn't want to go overboard because there are also players that were injured and would have had more.

 

[Thechozen1]

Ironically I can see him becoming a similar level player to former Ranger Adam Graves.

 

[aufheben]

50/50 great playmaker and goal scorer. Clutch. Not a bitch. First line winger right now.

 

[tfong]

I think if you said top 6 that would be met with less resistence. He had 57 points this season, that's top 6 already. That's just outside of top 100 players. That's firmly a second liner even if you don't account for lack of PP1 time. Middle 6 insinuates he's a borderline 3rd liner.

Probably true looking back at how I wrote it. Just felt the replies were a bit hostile given I felt like i was giving a good review of his progression albeit on the conservative side. This coming from a person that really like Lafreniere and drafted them in a keeper league But yeah looking back I can see how some people would've have seen it overly negatively. I mean I like the guy, hes just not "there yet" for me (just sample size wise and consistency) and I haven't written him off by any means. He's been slowly progressing and making use of his tools.

 

[lakeshirts37]

I didn't say projection, I said right now though? I even said he has plenty of time for growth, he's having a great playoffs but I'm not ready to re-evaluate until I see this kind of play through a full season.



How so? Just because I don't think he's firmly cemented himself as a top line guy yet? He elevated his play in the playoffs currently but I like to see more over a full season before I'm confident in calling him a top line guy.

If you watched him through the season you’d see he has been this guy the entire year.

 

[Bankerguy]

he looks like Bo horvat.

 

[mm11]

Thought he was a product of Panarin this year, but the kid is looking good this post season. Making big time plays in big time games. Wonder what his next contract will be

 

[blankall]

he looks like Bo horvat.

I'd have Laf somewhere between Mark Stone and Bo Horvat. He's developing into a great player.

 

[Unspecified]

The NHL teams are just rearranging the deck chairs. Its the same GM or the same coaches over and over just switching teams. Get some new blood in these roles.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

a serviceable 2nd liner

 

[Bizz]

Career high 14 goals Stefan?.....no he didn't. Great post.

That still translates to more than what Lafreneire scored since that happened during the dead puck era.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

H

That still translates to more than what Lafreneire scored since that happened during the dead puck era.

Hmm no.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

H

Hmm no.

Don't you know 50 goal scorers in the DPE would score 100 today.

 

[Bradely]

He doesn't possess the wheels of a Kyle Connor to be a top level player. Skating more Brock Boeser level. Unlikely to be a PPG guy moving forward. Can't be the top F on a team. If he's your #3, you're in good shape.

I think his ceiling is wayyyyyy higher.

 

[Bradely]

Could see him into being the guy who can play on the 1st line whenever, but mainly carry’s the 2nd line. Like Nylander does

IMO I'll take lafreniere 7 days a week 52 weeks a year over Nylander.

 

[Machinehead]

Ironically I can see him becoming a similar level player to former Ranger Adam Graves.

So Chris Kreider?

a serviceable 2nd liner

He was that when he was bad.