Estimated_Prophet
Registered User
- Mar 28, 2003
- 10,910
- 11,833
In this case, he put his neck out on the line. Stating that due to his team sources, Montreal had minimal to zero interest in Laine. He deserves to get a verbal smack from us.
But he was speaking the truth....the fact that circumstances changed is not his fault. The need for unknowledgeable fans to bash more knowledgeable people every time they are incorrect is pathetic imo. Nobody has inside information in Montreal and Engels was simply stating that there was absolutely no corroborated rumours from anyone credible and this was the truth. Just because the mob ended up being right relative to their mountain of false rumours is just a mathematical certainty at some point and does not represent validation for them nor does it open the door for criticism for Engels.
The Habs wanted Marchessault and there is no question that Laine was a fall back option that was not seriously considered until it was perhaps the last one standing. Considering how Hughes has avoided players with attitude/work ethic issues the smart money would have been on avoiding Laine. My opinion also was that Laine was not a natural fit but would be possible only if he survived a thorough vetting by Hughes and company. Clearly they believe that the risk/reward ratio is acceptable after a deep dive on Laine's situation and his current mindset.
Of course it is ok to rib Engels about being wrong but people calling him a clown because he was wrong on Laine (He did not entirely rule it out) is nonsense and typical tribal silliness that is making the world so unbearable at times.