26Mats
Registered User
- Jun 23, 2018
- 34,079
- 26,488
Couldn’t agree more. Laine is a perfect example. He’s a sniper, not a play driver. We all know that, but anyone who thinks Alex Newhook or Kirby Dach are adding more value are hard to take seriously.
Most of the stats ignore special teams too, like scoring on the PP doesn’t contribute to the outcome of the game.
He's a sniper. But I really don't want him to end up just being a player like Ryder and Hoffman - sniper's who were also defensive liabilities, offensive play killers when they weren't scoring, turnover machines, constatnly out of position in the d zone, and didn't dig deep with effort in the dzone. Especially at his cap hit.
Laine has far more offensive flair with the puck and is an even better sniper. I hope MSL and Adam Nicholas can work with him to round out his game. And that Laune is willing to listen and put in the effort. I also hope Laine becomes a fitness and strength and conditioning freak. But that's a lot to hope for. So we'll see...
The upside is huge. That's why I'm glass half full on Laine. We mayonly have about one calendar year and one off season to work with him. I hope MSL and Nicholas can work their magic...