Joined: Jul. 2019
Posts: 640
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Unfortunately for Laine, he is on a team blessed deep in forwards. The face of the Jets are Wheeler and Scheifele. Laine, currently is an after thought. As a player, currently, he is seen as one dimensional, a pure offensive talent. The Jet expect him to score goals. When it is not happening, and because of a deep offensive team, he get less ice time. I think his numbers would raise sharply, if he was playing for team which lack consistent scoring. Laine is a quandary of sorts, but which every GM would welcome. I have stated before I can’t see the Jets being able to sign both Laine and Connor (if could work if both agree to bridge deals) to long term market value deals.
Calgary traded Brett Hull ( 52gp 26G 24A) in his first full season in 1988 to St. Louis with Steve Bozak for (Rob Ramage and Rick Wamsley), players which added depth to already competitive team. That season Hull was a consideration for the Calder trophy, which was won by former team mate Joe Nieuwendyk.
Hull was viewed, in my opinion as a emerging young talent but less valuable on a deep club. He became expendable in the effort to make Calgary better and compete for the cup.
An afterthought:
In the next 6 seasons in St.Louis, Hull would score no less than 41goals (his first season) and the legend was born. Now had that trade with the Blues not happened and he remained on Calgary, would Hull have similar offensive production on a deep club? Surely, it would be safe to say his ice would have been reduce and less opportunities to score.
I see the same situation in Winnipeg with Laine.
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As for the other RFA’s mention, I would say with 100% certainly that Colorado will sign Ratanen. Why wouldn’t they. They have the cap. As for Toronto and Tampa Bay, obviously salary must be move in order to sign their RFA. There are variables which obviously come into play here. #1 Finding a team(s) to take salary (where so many clubs are encroaching near the cap, #2 how will player movement will effect team chemistry and their competitiveness?
I believe the GM’s of these RFA’s are playing a game of chicken. Nobody wants to over paid. The first signing with will act as precedent with the others.
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