I don't think that's a reasonable assessment for a guy who almost challenged for the 1st OA pick in a year that had a near-generational center prospect. We see a lot of Laine's shot on the highlights (because it's among the best in the world) but he's a very dangerous offensive player in a lot of ways including as a setup man
I agree that Marner has a ton of vision and creates a lot of opportunity for his linemates, but he doesn't have Laine's shot or size so he gives up at least as many categories as he has over Laine. I don't agree that last year was a career year for either JVR or Bozak: JVR's been super consistent for a long time, Bozak had better offensive years with Kessel than last year he just didn't play as many games. It was the first time those guys saw the 3rd hardest matchups on the team instead of the 1st hardest matchups too, the team's offense used to be built around that line
Marner is one of the best young players in hockey, Laine is also one of the best young players in hockey
I'm not saying thar laine isn't a good young hockey player but add him to our team and he just compliments the team. He doesn't make us better or anyone on his line better. Laine can't drive a line by himself as evidenced when he was taken off schefile line his production went down.
Marner makes us better. He can drive a line by himself. Laine can't.
As far as challenging for first overall that is something that was built up by the media. Matthews is far ahead of laine. Matthews drives a line by himself. Again laine doesn't. When he was put on their second line he disappeared for games. Even when Matthews wasn't scoring he was still getting chances.
Laine is what he was advertised. A big kid with an elite shot.
Laine is just like ovechkin he can score. Backstrom drives the ovechkin line. Who would you rather have Crosby or ovechkin, I know who I would pick.
I'm not saying laine doesn't have a high hockey IQ because he certainly does but in my opinion he will never be a setup man.ill keep marner and yes he certainly made jvr and bozak better.