That's kind of an unfair question to ask. Since none of us know how Laine or any player we add. Will increase the teams chances of winning the Cup.
I'm not suggesting we can know. Obviously we can't.
I'm simply saying that's the mindset we should have. We should be singularly focused on building a cup winner. That means no shortcuts, no 'let's get into 8th this season' type moves.
Some may say that this gets us closer to a cup. I don't think it does.
Adding Laine may just help us reach 8th in the short term. He may also work out and become a long term solution for our team. Or he may curl up in the fetal position, sucking his thumb. From the mass pressure of playing in Montreal.
Which IMO is way overblown. I've been around players, both super stars and average ones for years. To quote Mitch Marner, they're all treated like Gods. I've never seen a fan come up to a player and start bad mouthing them like some of the key board warriors here do. Sure they'll bug them for a picture or an autograph. But the majority of the time, they give them a simple nod. Or yell out something positive. Gally for example, hated here by some on HFB. Yet loved in person on the streets of Montreal.
We really haven't heard a player boo'd during a game, since Brisebois. As for the local and social media outlets. Most of the players don't pay attention to any of that. Or atleast they shouldn't. Sorry, for going a little OT from this post I"m replying too. I've just seen many state that due to Laine's mental health. Montreal would be the last place he should play. I disagree.
Again, we can't know how it would play out. But there's baggage there. Yes, hockey players are treated like Gods - when it goes well. We've also heard from Carey Price (future HOFer) say that there were times where he didn't want to go to a grocery store.
Not everyone can play in a market like Montreal. I won't sit here and say Laine can't do it - maybe he can - but it's something that we have to factor in.
1. Amass top picks and prospects - (Yes we've done that)
2. Develop those prospects - (Yes we've done that and are still in the process of doing that.
3. Add pieces as you become a contender
This 3rd one is where we disagree. We're not in the beginning of our rebuild anymore. Now is the time when we should be adding pieces, since you never know when they'll become available. I was a little confused that you would want to wait. I think it's more you're not a Laine fan. Since you've mentioned several times, that you'd be okay with a more physical type of top 6 player.
I don't see the hurry. This season we can evaluate what we have and develop.
Again though, I'm not wholly opposed to a move. Go ahead if one's available that makes sense. Adding depth is fine. Improving anywhere is fine... if it's in line with your goal.
Also I don't consider adding Laine to be a short cut. Adding Stamkos, Perron etc, those are moves that I considered to be a short cut. Laine, if he works, could be a long term solution to the team. Something none of the older players could potentially provide. Which is why I"m glad we didn't add any of them.
I won't go into detail, as many others have already said this. Adding Laine or a player of your choice. Will not hold back Roy or any other of our young prospect forwards. If Laine sucks, they'll get a chance right away. If he doesn't, then those young prospects will have to work harder. Also add in injuries, which seem to happen a lot with our team lol
I think people are thinking about Laine when he broke into the league full of promise. That's not him anymore. He's coming off shoulder surgery... big contract. I just think we can look elsehwere if we want to do that.
Also, I"m curious. For you and those of you who feel Roy is ready to step into a top 6 role right away. What's stopping Roy from becoming the next RHP? Both did quite well during meaningless games at the end of the season, for a short period of time. You could also say that RHP did better than Roy (two seasons ago), over a longer period of time. Only to come crashing back to earth last season.
Much better track record. Much better player.