Player Discussion Patrik Laine

[schwang26]

I don't think they have any intentions of putting Laine at center, but it will be an interesting dilemma. Laine could have the same issues as as dach as he hasn't played much of all in a long time either.

Ya I think Dach goes back to centre with Condotta being returned to Laval. There’s really no choice (other than Newhook but he’s not a centre, really). My hope is that Laine gets them both going on the 2nd line. If Dach can’t be the Habs 2nd line centre, I have no idea what they can do. May have to trade or sign someone.

 

[sampollock]

Our 2c situation is horrible, so for sure I could see him being the best option if he's able to get back to form down the line.

Right now I want to see Suzuki - Dach - Evan's- Newhook as our 4 C's. Newhook hasn't been good on the wing. He has speed and is bad along the wall. May be worth trying again at C.

Laine - Suzuki - Slaf
Caufield - Dach - Dvo (takes faceoffs)
Gallagher - Evans - Anderson
Roy/Heineman - Newhook - Armia

yup
KH has a HUGE job to find a #2 centre

 

[Tyson]

yup
KH has a HUGE job to find a #2 centre

Something that remains very elusive. Dach probably isn't it.

 

[Sterling Archer]

I think people are bailing on Dach way too quickly.

He's been off for a year and it takes time to get back to where he left off, which was a dominate top 6 center. He's still very young and I think once he gets some support from his line mates like a skilled scoring winger aka Laine back on his wing and gets back to mid season form, he'll be just fine.

He hasn't lost his size, ability or talent. Just needs time and help to get things going like they used to.

 

[dauv]

yup
KH has a HUGE job to find a #2 centre

does any one know who could be a good trade target (realistic please) to fill this hole.

 

[sampollock]

does any one know who could be a good trade target (realistic please) to fill this hole.

1,000,000 question

no one trades a good #2 centre.

 

[Intangir]

My low expectations are moreso because of the fact that he hasn't played in such a long time rather than the player he is. He's missed a lot of time.

Okay, then I'd be in 100% agreement.

 

[Tyson]

Fired up to see Laine progressing so well.

 

[red devil]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1858542309958148212

 

[Miller Time]

1,000,000 question

no one trades a good #2 centre.

Reinhart, Vaerheage and Bennett were all trade acquisitions for the cup winning Panthers....

Eichel for the Knights

Kadri for the Avs

O'Reilly & Schenn for the blues

If anything, it's more accurate to say that cup winners usually acquire a top 6 C via trade.

Bolts are the only recent winners not to, and they added both Coleman & Goodrow via trade to help their C & fwd depth get across the cup winning line.

Accumulating a depth of high quality assets is step one... getting a young core to gel and push into playoffs is step two, rounding out and solidifying a strong core with key veteran trade acquisitions to push the core over the top is the last step.