If Winnipeg is gonna move that player, Edmonton would have to pay more than that, Winnipeg would need/want an RNH point producer but with 3 - 5 years of term + the 1st and need A+ D prospects coming back.

This plus I'm pretty sure if Laine was willing to sign for 6×$8M he'd be signed already.

In response to the original post, I don’t think the suggestion is insane, but I do think it’s simply not realistic.

To the following post:



Laine has demonstrated elite goal-scoring ability, but his game appears to be frighteningly one-dimensional at this point.

Nugent-Hopkins is a strong 2C, in his prime with a sound 200-foot game, a demonstrated record of 60-65 points/season, ability to be effective on both special teams, ability to play any position in the top-six, seemingly likely to pot 20-25 goals/season for the next 2-3 seasons (or more), under contract at $6M for the next 2 seasons, and likely to be paid less than Laine on his next contract.

Setting aside the fact that Edmonton does not have enough cap space to sign Laine for fair value, even with RNH off the books, and Winnipeg doesn’t have enough cap space to take-on additional salary in a trade with Edmonton, the suggestion that Laine = RNH + 1st round draft pick + grade “A+” defensive prospect is out of touch with reality.

If Cheveldayoff acquires RNH, he instantly improves his team’s ability to challenge for a cup. Even though RNH won’t replace all of Laine’s goal scoring potential, he brings a lot of dimensions that compliment the talent in Winnipeg. If Holland acquires Laine, he can, and will need to, break-up McDavid and Draisaitl. That doesn’t drastically improve his team.