Next Year Gamble

I'm not interested in Laine. He's got to make up his mind. Does he want to win which takes everything you have OR just be Extremely talented and have hockey as a full time hobby. We can't change his mind for him. He's got to become a 2-way player that'll sacrifice on a daily basis.

You don't acquire a Ferrari and expect it to do the job of a Toyota. That's the mistake Columbus has made and why he's such a depreciated asset now. You acquire Laine and you put him in a place to succeed: near the dot where he can let them rip.

I don't see CGY trading a potential lottery pick. Maybe it could be top 10 protected?

He's not a Ferrari. He wants to be a Ferrari, but can't keep up with the real Ferrari's. That's why he needs to change his game. He's 6'5" 205+. At least get tougher on the puck and hustle 100% of the time. I don't mind the comments about being annoyed. I don't mind the mouthing off to Torts because it's Torts and Torts probably deserved it. I don't even mind the Fortnite stuff way back when. What I VERY much care about are his comments when he's in Finland talking about a defensive scheme doesn't fit his offensive game...aka...you're admitting you're going to suck in the playoffs. A.) I'm happy he's admitting it B.) go fix it. Don't be the 1-way offensive talent you WANT to be...go be that 2-way player you NEED to be to win....AT THE VERY LEAST work on the defense a lot more than the offense.

Honestly, and I am not trying to be a d!ck here, I'm not even sure a lottery pick could convince me to take his contract. Because, even if it hits in the lottery, in 3 or 4 years when we need to pay that player, we aren't going to be able to because we will have a Huberdeau sized boat anchor taking up a ton of cap space.