Player Discussion Patrik Laine: Part 2 - Healthy Living Edition

[salbutera]

Oh my God, that is POWER PLAY Watch the top of the video. Also, if you noticed, he moved around more than he did in Montreal.

You're sharing videos to prove how lazy Laine is, and you don't even look at what the situation is.

That wasn’t my intent at all.

 

[salbutera]

 

[WeThreeKings]

Both guys, hopefully, will have a full offseason of training and come to camp at full strength. As you say, if they don't perform after that, then changes need to be made.

Doesn't mean we don't shop or add during the summer, there's just no need to become trigger happy just because.

Bingo.

 

[OneSharpMarble]

Laine — clearly wearing a decorative knee brace because he’s just an evil lazy bastard — is outproducing Slafkvosky.

HFBoards is right to laser focus all their anger and frustration onto Laine, he is simply an evil lazy bastard. Unlike darling angels Newhook, Dach, and Slafkovsky who simply are on the verge of greatness and shouldn’t be criticised for anything ever.


If only Hutson didn’t have a breakout rookie season, we would be lower in the standings too.

Newhook, Dach and to a lesser degree Slaf have all been ridiculued on this board non-stop this season. You can't seem to stop ragging on Dach despite him proving you wrong. Not sure why Laine is above any and all criticism. I have no problem giving him next season to prove himself just like with Dach and Newhook but if he doesn't start contributing he's gone. Guy has been an absolute dead weight on his line.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Either way, whether it is, eventually, as a 2nd line winger, or, perpetually, as a 3rd line winger, we will have to give Joshua Roy a real try to see what we really have in terms of NHL talent or not.

It would be a shame for a player with such talent to amount to nothing here and blossom elsewhere.

It would've happened this year too if he didn't get hurt. Horrible luck for him.

As for Laine, I don't see why we wouldn't give him the benefit of the doubt right now. Look at Kirby Dach. He's night and day now vs when he started the year. Laine hasn't played in a long time and he's recovering. His timing is probably all messed up and he's not skating right.

We don't need to make a decision on him now. See how he does next year. With any luck his play improves and we can extend him. The talent is there but the injuries are concerning. It's why Hughes (very smartly) didn't give anything up for him. He needs to show something before we sign him to any kind of extension.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

We would’ve had Joshua Roy’s breakout season if not for Patrik Laine

Didntchaknow

Quick!

Over there... a pot you haven't stirred yet!

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I would send both Dach and Laine to Buffalo for Cozens. But Buffalo will say FU. I really don't understand people who still want Dach, Laine or Newhook on the habs lineup going forward.

Dach is a solid player. He's played good hockey for a while now. It's like folks don't watch the games.

Newhook's depth scoring. He may be with us, maybe not. He's been inconsistent this season (as has most of the club.) My biggest issue with him is the lack of finish. Laine? Let's wait and see.

This was a season of evaluation. Some passed the test and some didn't. For me, Dach has shown himself to be a solid physical player who can storm the net. With his size and skill, I wouldn't want to lose him. Newhook is totally expendable. I just wish we could've seen Roy and RB.

Now... would they all be worth Cozens? Maybe. Cozens has awesome potential. But he's also a reclamation project and an expensive one at that. Dach has five less points and that's after a horrific start. Imagine Cozens pacing for 41 points and us paying him 7 mil to do it. This place would be on fire.

 

[Jeune Poulet]

Did Laine's mom write this?

I thought the tournament might serve as a temporary motivational boost but there were way too many times where he looked lifeless without the puck.

At this point, I'm just hoping he shows up next season, to play for his next contract so we can trade him at that deadline. Because no one is going to ask for him this season unless they're looking for a PS5 buddy.

 

[ReHabs]

Newhook, Dach and to a lesser degree Slaf have all been ridiculued on this board non-stop this season. You can't seem to stop ragging on Dach despite him proving you wrong. Not sure why Laine is above any and all criticism. I have no problem giving him next season to prove himself just like with Dach and Newhook but if he doesn't start contributing he's gone. Guy has been an absolute dead weight on his line.

In the interest of civility, we’re on the same page about “next season to prove himself”. That’s what I’ve been saying all along. I’m not a Laine fanboy, if he stinks next year I have no choice but to want him gone at the earliest opportunity.

But I don’t think this squares with your broadside statements just a few days ago about Laine being excessively lazy all his career… but whatever. So let’s keep it at that.

I have the same criticism of all four of these players — they’re not playing well enough. I don’t buy that Newhook, Slaf, or Dach are playing injured, so I don’t make carve outs for them. If they were injured like Laine, then sure but they’re not and Dach admits he didn’t take last summer seriously enough (according to some posts I read here).

It says a lot that Laine is out-producing all three of them — and it isn’t as if any of them are known for their two way or d-zone play.

So it doesn’t make any sense to obsess over just Laine when eg Slaf is unfortunately trending toward being bigger problem today and for the next 7-8 years to come or Dach is in the way of us getting a sorely needed 2C. Newhook cost two value picks and delivered nothing worthwhile. That’s three players who cost 1OA, 13OA, 31OA and 37OA and are, in aggregate, worth considerably less than that today. Bad stuff.

Meanwhile, Laine is not in the way of anything or anyone — he’s found money. He looks like crap out there, but we know why.

 

[OneSharpMarble]

In the interest of civility, we’re on the same page about “next season to prove himself”. That’s what I’ve been saying all along. I’m not a Laine fanboy, if he stinks next year I have no choice but to want him gone at the earliest opportunity.

But I don’t think this squares with your broadside statements just a few days ago about Laine being excessively lazy all his career… but whatever. So let’s keep it at that.

I have the same criticism of all four of these players — they’re not playing well enough. I don’t buy that Newhook, Slaf, or Dach are playing injured, so I don’t make carve outs for them. If they were injured like Laine, then sure but they’re not and Dach admits he didn’t take last summer seriously enough (according to some posts I read here).

It says a lot that Laine is out-producing all three of them — and it isn’t as if any of them are known for their two way or d-zone play.

So it doesn’t make any sense to obsess over just Laine when eg Slaf is unfortunately trending toward being bigger problem today and for the next 7-8 years to come or Dach is in the way of us getting a sorely needed 2C. Newhook cost two value picks and delivered nothing worthwhile. That’s three players who cost 1OA, 13OA, 31OA and 37OA and are, in aggregate, worth considerably less than that today. Bad stuff.

Meanwhile, Laine is not in the way of anything or anyone — he’s found money. He looks like crap out there, but we know why.

Ofcourse Dach isn't playing injured, I mean he only mised a whole year of hockey and had major surgery on his knee, he should be right as rain! Sure his play recently is night and day from his first couple months but don't let that get in the way of your usual player blaming. Ahh Laine who got all of his points on the powerplay while being a dead beat on 5V5 is just a god send, shame that dried up right?

Dach is in the way of us getting a 2C? I'm sorry did Dach take away Hughes phone and say "No trades for you big boy"? It's so weird how you place blame for this shit on the players.

And once again in what world are you pinning the price of acquisition of the player ON THE PLAYERS? Is it Newhooks fault that a certain price was paid for him? Is that something he's obligated to live up to? If you want to lay that blame on someone put it on Hughes and stop this nonsensical garbage about how Dach, Newhook and Slaf owe us something for the price they cost. All they owe us is their further effort to develop their game.

Laine was brought in with the hopes of being a leader on this team but I guess he's just too injured to do even that.

 

[ReHabs]

Laine was brought in with the hopes of being a leader on this team but I guess he's just too injured to do even that.

Another brilliant comment from you. Patrick Laine the cap dump coming out of rehab was brought in to be a leader — so he’s clearly failed to do his part.

 

[Habssince89]

A couple thoughts:
-Laine is clearly not 100%. We saw the knee brace. Patience is key.
-Laine IMO might be the kind of player that doesn't make it look pretty. His long stick and stiff body posture can make him look uninvolved and 'lazy' but as we can see from the 4N tournament, he thinks the game well in spite of not being the cleanest stick handler
-He isn't expected to be the best player on the team, so I think he's going to take some people by surprise when he's even better insulated and supported by the Demidov addition and whatever improvements come by next season's start
-He likes to win

 

[VT]

That wasn’t my intent at all.

In that case, you need to write that it's PP, otherwise it looks like it.

BTW, it's clear that this video was made to "prove" that Laine is lazy. But even if he didn't show part of the caption, Hintz and Acho were on the ice and the commentator clearly mentions Barkov.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

A couple thoughts:
-Laine is clearly not 100%. We saw the knee brace. Patience is key.
-Laine IMO might be the kind of player that doesn't make it look pretty. His long stick and stiff body posture can make him look uninvolved and 'lazy' but as we can see from the 4N tournament, he thinks the game well in spite of not being the cleanest stick handler
-He isn't expected to be the best player on the team, so I think he's going to take some people by surprise when he's even better insulated and supported by the Demidov addition and whatever improvements come by next season's start
-He likes to win

If Laine were to step up his game, that line could wind up being pretty good with Demidov on it.

One thing though, they may want to just put Demidov in with CC and Suzuki. Don’t mess with anything and give him the best chance to develop. That’d mean Dach, Slaf and Laine which might also work.

 

[Captain97]

Laine kind of reminds me of Phil Kessel. Great talent, excellent offensive player, but he just can't be the guy. On a 2nd line he can be excellent secondary scoring but he isn't the first liner everyone expected him to be when drafted.

I think he has a spot here long term as our 5th-6th best forward once every one is in their primes.

Demidov
Suzuki
Suzuki
Slaf
2c to be acquired/maybe Hage
Laine

That's a good top 6

 

[WeThreeKings]

Laine kind of reminds me of Phil Kessel. Great talent, excellent offensive player, but he just can't be the guy. On a 2nd line he can be excellent secondary scoring but he isn't the first liner everyone expected him to be when drafted.

I think he has a spot here long term as our 5th-6th best forward once every one is in their primes.

Demidov
Suzuki
Suzuki
Slaf
2c to be acquired/maybe Hage
Laine

That's a good top 6

So long as Laine can get back his effectiveness. Current iteration of Laine isn't valuable at all because he's turning pucks over at the blueline or inside the blueline at too high a rate.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

So long as Laine can get back his effectiveness. Current iteration of Laine isn't valuable at all because he's turning pucks over at the blueline or inside the blueline at too high a rate.

He's around where Dach was at the start of the year. Lost in his own zone. Makes some nice plays only to lose the puck. Giveaways... The big difference is that Laine has that crazy shot and was money on the PP for a stretch. That is an awesome weapon and what makes it worth showing patience for.

His timing is off. His skating's off. He looks a lot like a player who hasn't played in a while and is trying to find his game while recovering from an injury.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Laine kind of reminds me of Phil Kessel. Great talent, excellent offensive player, but he just can't be the guy. On a 2nd line he can be excellent secondary scoring but he isn't the first liner everyone expected him to be when drafted.

I think he has a spot here long term as our 5th-6th best forward once every one is in their primes.

Demidov
Suzuki
Suzuki
Slaf
2c to be acquired/maybe Hage
Laine

That's a good top 6

If Dach were to get bumped to the 3rd line then we'd have a really, really good team.

I just hope he can stay healthy. He was on the verge of breaking out two seasons ago. Looked awesome in camp and then we lose him? And then he has to work his way back to where he is now? I mean that just sucks.

I was predicting a breakout year last season. Obviously it blew up. This year I was hoping he'd be a little rusty but he was absolutely brutal before recovering. Hopefully next year he can get back on track. If you have Slaf/Dach/Laine... that's a huge line. And if Laine can find his game they could be tough to contain.

 

[OneSharpMarble]

Another brilliant comment from you. Patrick Laine the cap dump coming out of rehab was brought in to be a leader — so he’s clearly failed to do his part.

He literally said it himself, he was brought in because he is an older, experienced elite player that can help guide the young guys. You can bring other things to a team when you aren't at the top of your game. Edited down my comment because you got handled as usual.

 

[ReHabs]

He literally said it himself, he was brought in because he is an older, experienced elite player that can help guide the young guys. You can bring other things to a team when you aren't at the top of your game.

He also said he's been out of game shape and not focussed on his fitness, he also said he narrowly avoided surgery did you catch that as well or do you need more photo evidence?

Edited down my comment because you got handled as usual.

Between the janitor comments and other unnecessary barbs, I'd say grow up but what you're lacking isn't age.

 

[OneSharpMarble]

He also said he's been out of game shape and not focussed on his fitness, he also said he narrowly avoided surgery did you catch that as well or do you need more photo evidence?

That doesn't change anything I said, even if you aren't 100% you can still bring other things.

Between the janitor comments and other unnecessary barbs, I'd say grow up but what you're lacking isn't age.

Oh Lord stop crying and stop blaming players for things like trades.

 

[Habs]

MSL needs to play Laine more than just a PP role and throw him out there more. When he first got back from injury he seemed to have more of a role, now its just light duty shifts and PP. Mentally probably not good for a high profile guy. I wonder if he should just throw him out there and whatever happens, happens..... the rest of the way. If you want to be a leader, go lead. If you want to be part of the solution, do that. But if you can't be a guy who plays 22 min a night and is reliable, Its best to find out this season as we are sliding down the standings.

 

[ReHabs]

That doesn't change anything I said, even if you aren't 100% you can still bring other things.

Oh now comes the intangibles whining. When a player is the scapegoat they're also a bad influence. Yeah pal we've heard this stupid song and seen this stupid dance before. It's what radio show callers rely on. He's the whipping boy so he's also a bad guy too. Yeah yeah.

Oh Lord stop crying and stop blaming players for things like trades.

To repeat: If you're going to melt down about Laine's performance -- despite him OUTPRODUCING all the Terrible Trio on an actively injured knee -- you have to take into account he's found money and the Terrible Trio cost a lot more to acquire. Who blamed players for trades? Not me.

MSL needs to play Laine more than just a PP role and throw him out there more. When he first got back from injury he seemed to have more of a role, now its just light duty shifts and PP. Mentally probably not good for a high profile guy. I wonder if he should just throw him out there and whatever happens, happens..... the rest of the way. If you want to be a leader, go lead. If you want to be part of the solution, do that. But if you can't be a guy who plays 22 min a night and is reliable, Its best to find out this season as we are sliding down the standings.

This is what Laine said -- that he wishes he could impact the game more with more TOI but he's not getting it so it is difficult to impact the game as much as he wants -- but since he's the local whipping boy it was the wrong thing to say despite the fact he also said he understands why his TOI is down and he has to earn TOI.

They're tilted against him so anything he says or does is the wrong thing.

 

[Habs]

This is what Laine said -- that he wishes he could impact the game more with more TOI but he's not getting it so it is difficult to impact the game as much as he wants -- but since he's the local whipping boy it was the wrong thing to say despite the fact he also said he understands why his TOI is down and he has to earn TOI.

They're tilted against him so anything he says or does is the wrong thing.

Ah I never heard him talk about it, I think it makes sense. These athletes do have some pride and don't want to be seen as 'that guy' so I hope they use him appropriately the rest of the way

 

[OneSharpMarble]

Oh now comes the intangibles whining. When a player is the scapegoat they're also a bad influence. Yeah pal we've heard this stupid song and dance before. He's the whipping boy so he's also a bad guy too. Yeah yeah.

To repeat: If you're going to melt down about Laine's performance -- despite him OUTPRODUCING all the Terrible Trio on an actively injured knee -- you have to take into account he's found money and the Terrible Trio cost a lot more to acquire. Who blamed players for trades? Not me.

And now the reset where you start over, deny everything you said and I have to once again address all the points I earlier did. No one is having a meltdown over Laine except you. People aren't happy with his play, including the coach and he's getting the business just like the "terrible trio", he has no more excuses than they do.