You guys are in a really good spot, no need for negativity or cynicism.
As a secondary Rangers fan,
I've done this whole rebuild thing awhile and remember, LAF is
only 19, I can virtually guarantee he'll be a 40+goal scorer if he keeps at his development at the same rate- his hockey IQ is INSANELY high.
Sometimes players aren't noticeable if they have a high IQ because the rest of their skills are rawer so they cannot
implement their greatest strengths.
This will be fixed with more development.
As grim as it seems, Kappo
will be a PPG player.
They are a very young team and Kappo is a raw prospect.
He probably won't even
enter his prime until another couple years, based on his playing style.
Pay no attention to Sabres fans who think they can gut your prospect pool and multiple firsts for an injured Eichel
Kappo will be a top 30 winger and Laf might end up being a top 5 player.
Just because a player isn't blazing fast and not so noticeable
does not mean they're a bust as you probably know.
Only 19. It's his playing style, a rawer prospect who will take a while to truly enter his prime.
Reinhart was the same way for awhile. Seemed like a bust because he wasn't noticeable, then one season just blew up. Laf has a ridiculous IQ and that's the most important thing. He'll do great things, it's destined.
It was unnecessary to fire GM from the outside imo. You can expect the team to be below average/underwhelming for a bit. That's part of the process.
You have really good players/prospects
Don't lose hope
Reinhart was a confirmed bust basically by 21 until he started finding his game.
Mittelstadt was a confirmed bust by 22.
Now he's a verified 1c/2c.
I can come up with multiple more examples.
S* changes quickly like that, this is
Laf's very first season at 19
Laf will be better than J. Hughes, perhaps less dynamic, but smarter with a better shot. You can never compare two players at a different age like that. Especially with a very different playing style at different states of development.
You have
nothing to worry about.
The media makes unrealistic expectations for Laf because some ppl so anxious to have a competitive team. Patience is the keyword as hard as it is to hear.
The state of NYR is in a good place. You have the #1 and #2 picks. Stay the course. You guys will be a dynasty soon enough.
Here in Buffalo it's as grim as it gets with players wanting out. You don't have that. Players want to play for NYR more than any other team for a reason. NYC the most beautiful city that I've ever seen aside from Buffalo.
I always root for you guys, you're more a friend than a rival. Good luck dudes, not that you'll need it, stay the course, keep building with young players, you might be a contender as soon as next year.
-A genuine hockey fan, with love and respect.
