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).
Indeed... But it's not just the Habs...
Reality is that the odds of getting a top 6 player from the mid 20s is quite low. Let alone an elite/top tier one.
If a person doubts Laine's ability to return to a 30+g top 6 impact player, then sure, the pick would be preferable.
Imo
Odds of Laine being a top 6 contributor >> 26OA becoming a top 9 regular
Hence why 1:1 it's close to a no brainer provided we can navigate the cap implications (either in that deal or by unloading one of Dvo/Armia without retention)
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.
I don't see Armia as a "throw in" either. I agree that he played most of last year at a very good level for his cap hit & role.
Him and Dvo have the most moveable cap hits. If the "cost" of getting Laine was either + 26 OA, I'm ok to pay that.
As for the C question... Laine in the top 6 could mean Newhook staying at C. Or alternatively, a bottom/middle 6 C add via ufa or trade is an option to explore (Monahan? Burger?)
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.
Absolutely.
Though I think our management group is well positioned and connected to get the kind of inside info to make a good assessment on that. If they are concerned, they wouldn't touch him even at a much smaller cost
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.
Fair.
I think making an addition of established talent to the top 6 is a better approach right now. This group is ready to make a big leap but we need a bit more scoring depth to mitigate injuries sewering yet another season.
The difference is that Kovalev was essentially bored because he was too good at hockey (not even joking). Laine has mental health issues and risks being a cancer in the room. Kovalev wasn't the same
Eesh... I don't align to that kind of stigma around mental health challenges, personally
last potential 320pt winger to dress for the habs.
