Man the Canadiens fans were wild when he was playing well… where did they go?
only took to the middle page 3 of the thread for the sanctimonious, smarmy, shit posts to begin.
Laine had a ridiculously good start and the habs power play took off with him back in the lineup, but his deficiencies are apparent and he still looks injured. A quick glance at his point totals and they're fine for a 2nd line winger. He is on pace for about 35 goals and 60 pts.
I agree with many that he needs a line driver and Dach never provided that. In fact him and Dach are not only injury prone, but not 200 foot players who can skate, and because of that, frequently in St Louis' doghouse with reduced minutes.
The fact Dach is out again, and Laine is so streaky has basically killed the habs cinderella WC chase imo.
As some have posted, they are a one line team; an excellent line but only 1 line - and Hutson. All 4, 25 or younger.
I didn't know much about Laine before he joined the habs, and I think next year will be the determining factor if they decide to re-sign him. It certainly won't be for 8 mill +.
I also believe Hughes and Gorton have given up the idea of Dach as a 2C and will experiment with him on the wing while trying to find that 2C - either a young guy in a big trade, UFA or a placeholder, older C until Hage or whoever they draft this summer is ready.
I think they pair Laine with Demidov and TBD next season.
It was low risk gamble for the habs to trade for him. They can afford the financial risk and also got a 2nd rounder out of it.