Laine is faster and he backchecks. I do not want Laine, but that is why people would prefer him over Skinner.
Any player that could not adhere to torts system likely would not adhere to Ruff’s system
ca.sports.yahoo.com
www.sportskeeda.com
I don't know that I would bet on Laine being happier here than in Columbus.
Report: Patrik Laine isn't happy with his usage, linemates
"With the merits I have, somewhere else I'd have an opportunity to play with the best players.”
"What a train wreck of a career" "Not happy anywhere he goes": Fans vexed as Patrik Laine reportedly requests for trade out of Columbus Blue Jackets
NHL fans on social media were annoyed after learning that Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has reportedly requested a trade out of Columbus.
Maybe he will be happy here but past says no
11 goals in 23 games last year. Thats a 47 goal pace. We will see if that was a fluke.
I'm this current world that we live in? I said flat out said I don't want Laine either, but saying his defensive effort is the same as Skinner's is laughable. It's not close.
eprinkside.com
Now do Skinner. This is also ignoring the fact that my original claim was simply Laine backchecked, not that he was good defensively. Simply better than Skinner who is allergic to crossing the Centre line if it means heading to his own zone.What the Blue Jackets can expect from Patrik Laine
The Columbus Blue Jackets just acquired perhaps the second-best pure goal-scorer in their franchise's history in Patrik Laine, Mitch Brown writes. He'll need to iron out some of his defensive warts to be the best player he can be, but the goal-scoring talent is unreal.
From the article” Laine isn’t just defensively limited; he’s one of the worst defensive players in the NHL. That might seem harsh, but I argue it might not be severe enough. In Evolving-Hockey’s Goals Above Replacement and Expected Goals Above Replacement, he’s among the worst forwards in the forward – scoring in the fifth percentile last season and the fourth over the past three.“
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Laine didn't play much last season, but his top speed in a game was slower than Skinner's last season.
He did have a lot more bursts though given that he was roughly 2 per game and Skinner had 8 all season.
I don't know that I would bet on Laine being happier here than in Columbus.
There's going to be an opportunity to make the team if he has a strong camp.
And in other news, the sky is blue.
Buffalo is for sure not the top destination, but Necas didn't want to sign a long term deal with anyone including the canes.And in other news, the sky is blue.
But seriously, I know some posters don't want to believe that Buffalo is at a disadvantage when it comes attracting players, and they blame having a poor record as the only reason a player won't sign here, but even when the team has been good in the past, they just don't draw exceptional free agents and they even have difficulty retaining their own UFAs.
People shouldn't feel slighted, as most of the small market teams in the league suffer from the same fate to some extent. A winning record generally helps teams attract an extra middling free agent here or there, but it is way less of a game changer than most think.
The real difference maker is having a player (or two) that everyone legitimately wants to play with. Dahlin is a great talent, but he just isn't a guy players are lining up around the league to come to a small market to play with.
The Crosby's, MacKinnons, and McDavids of the league are the real great equalizers for small market teams. Having guys like Drury or Briere is nice, but it isn't quite enough, especially when they themselves have their eyes on greener pastures.
He's also said it on Twitter in response to ATW (I think it was Peters) saying that the Sabres were talking to the Canes and Necas wouldn't sign in Buffalo.
Getting Laine after buying out Skinner really would just show hw clueless management is unless there was significant retention.View attachment 897756
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Laine didn't play much last season, but his top speed in a game was slower than Skinner's last season.
He did have a lot more bursts though given that he was roughly 2 per game and Skinner had 8 all season.
I don't know that I would bet on Laine being happier here than in Columbus.
I don't think there is room for him. He is more or less cut from Savoie's prospect type. He is depth. Kulich probably has the advantage unless he can't perform in camp. Even then there isn't an opening night spot available for a prospect.
Since this contract does not cover any UFA years, he cannot get any sort of trade or movement protection.
