The bolded is true, but to add onto it
Lafreniere produces at a 0.42 pts/game pace.
Dach produced at a 0.39 pts/game pace.
Newhook produced at a 0.41pts/game pace.
Dach I'd agree was the "worst" in terms of production. He had the opportunity to shine, but perhaps rushed (he was playing 18 mins per game in Chicago after his first season). However, he did get a pretty bad injury that kept him out most of his 2nd season. He's a big guy, and the hope was to use him at center - big centers cost a lot, even young projects like Dach. Lafreniere doesn't have the excuse of an injury or of playing on a terrible team, he not small by any means, but also not a center.
Newhook's context is perhaps closer to Lafreniere's. He played on a competitive team, and his TOI reflects that. Both Laf and Newhook played similar time on the PP last year. Both are putting underwhelming numbers, with Laf doing seemingly better every year.
Lafreniere is more physically involved than the other two (despite Dach being "bigger"), and Dach's big breakout really came after being traded. Lafreniere is showing improvement in production every year.
So yeah, these 2 players are pretty good comparables, and I think Lafreniere showing progress (albeit small) is a + over those 2 at the time of their trades. Dach's C potential and size did a bit of heavy lifting for his value too, I assume.
That said, is Laf looking that bad Rangers fans? I feel like patience could still pay with him if he becomes even a 60-70 pts player in a few years. That piece coming back would likely take another 4-5 years of development + might be a "real" bust and not even make it.
