But he's not an unplayable player that is expensive, he's a good but flawed player that is expensive. He's definitely valuable at 4.35x2. He's got 138 points in 174 games as a Blue Jacket and it's not like he's old. Even by ignoring his missed games and only taking what he's actually produced, he'd be 3rd on the Habs since the season he joined the Jackets.
I'd rather sign someone who can PK to play on the 4th line at a fraction of the cost than Anderson and his 5.5x3 who can't play PP/PK. Not sure why we are required to play an unproven AHL player which is essentially an ECHL player. Signing 4th liners is the easiest thing ever, we don't have to deal with Anderson who honestly doesn't even do the work of most 4th liners.
There's more than points to Laine but i think that's been debated enough already. The reality is, given his history and contract, he's still a negative value.
It's ok to want to take a shot at him, but it's not gonna cost as much as some people think it will cost.
Just came across an episode of The Eye Test podcast from a couple of weeks ago with Aaron Portzline as a guest.
He said that Waddell is gonna have to take back something he doesn't like to get rid of Laine, whether it's a player or money. McGuire thinks it's probably money.
And he said that Waddell will likely have to give a pick to sweeten the pot on top of that.
Pretty much echoing what other insiders have said before.
So giving up valuable pieces like a 1st, Struble, Harris or Mesar to get Laine would just be very bad assets management.
That's not Hugues' style at all.
As for Anderson, he has flaws and i'm not his biggest fan but he's still an 6'3, 220 pounds NHL caliber player that can skate, hit, fight and score 20 goals. For a 4th line player, i think that's pretty good.
It's a bit late to sign a player to replace him anyway. UFA market is over.
I'd rather have him than an unproven AHL player like Heineman or Condotta on that 4th line to start the season. Those guys can have their chance when injuries happen.
Habs have no cap issues so what he makes is irrelevant at the moment.