Yea I have to agree here. Again I totally get where @eco's bones is coming from about Brady Tkachuk, but Lafreniere is just a level above Tkachuk and everyone within his draft class. Maybe even 2 or 3 levels above, but time will tell on that. By all accounts and clips, this kid just has “it” and he has a thirst for winning. That hunger will always push him to raise his game. I am not saying the others don’t or won’t have it, its just a different manifestation with certain players.
I don’t think OTT offers more than packages of Tkachuck/#3 or #3/#5 and that just doesn’t even begin to peak my interest for a potential franchise changing, generational player. I have said it before, the only package I start with consideration is Tkachuk/#3/#5. And even then I can’t completely guarantee there would be a yes because of the impact Lafreniere can have now and longterm. He just has this feel to him that he will be perfect for the bright lights of Broadway. There is a much lesser guarantee for the finished products of Byfield, Stutzle, Drysdale, etc. I think they all end up being solid NHLers, but how long before that takes shape? The Rangers have a lot of the right core pieces right now for the next 3-5 years. They have more youth coming on defense and soon. They have a lot of assets to get that 1B Center OR top pair LD. Although I’d like to cut loose Staal and Smith, bring in Dillon, and let Miller fly under the radar easing his way in on the 3rd pair. Hajek, Jones, Robertson, Lundkvist, to name a few, all inching closer.
I just think the pick should be Lafreniere and less they are absolutely blown away. JG didnt want to show his hand, but JD certainly was gushing over Lafreniere... and I think it gives it away as to what they intend to do.
