- Jun 24, 2012
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A 26 OA is not necessarily a bad pick just cause the Habs may have made a questionable selection at that slot in a prior draft. Drafting mistakes always happen, as well as home runs (Hutson picked later than 26 OA).Really?
I think Laine for 26OA would be an easy yes assuming he passed medical / fit to play tests.
We've got a recent 26OA in Laval... Not very good.
Gotta go back to 2008 to find a player remotely close to the level that Laine is likely to provide (if healthy) the next few years.
1st + Mailloux... I'd probably pass as well. But just the late 1st? Tough to say no to that though probably push for them to take some cap back (Dvo or Armia)
Also, I’d argue that the Armia of the second half last season, no longer makes him a throw in, in deals — assuming that’s his new normal, added to the fact that he’s in a contract year so it’s likely he’ll continue performing. DVO stays only because of positional need otherwise we saw what kind of fodder the market begets when you need a centre.
As for Laine, it’s always a delicate thing to evaluate a player who has mental health concerns and who had to enter the Player Assistance Program. Good on him for getting the help he needs but I don’t get why the Habs should attempt to take him on when they don’t know what they’re getting into.
I’d rather they use the 26OA to try and move up or in some package for a young upside player that a counterpart has soured on but who has a clean medical slate.