It’s really hard to gauge what a Laine trade looks like a year from now. If he ends up flopping again, I’d be happy with this trade. That being said, I imagine he’s not going to give you five years - probably 2-3. He’s going to bet on himself on a short term deal.

If he rebounds playing alongside Voracek, I imagine his trade value is going to be noticeably higher. As will his price tag.

I like this, but I’d rather we promote from within to fill that 3C role. We have so many center prospects that could make that jump by this time. I’m not sure that gets Laine, depends on the year he has this year, but man that top 6 would be one of the best in hockey.

Blueger is a solid 3C and is still developing

Yeah but Drury Suzuki Rees need an opportunity and are cheaper. This 20 man roster is too close to the cap. Would be fine trading blueger or another bottom 6 piece to free up extra cap and give young guys an opportunity. Jarvis will also definitely be given an opportunity next year in the middle 6 (potentially this year if they don’t make any moves).

Blueger can be 4C then and trade Fast and dont sign Lazar/Archibald

Would be an interesting way to play this out. I probably wouldn’t sign some of those extra depth pieces and insert Drury Jarvis and Bokk instead of Lazar Archibald and potentially Blueger.

Don’t think this will be enough for Laine tho unless he has another so so year. Which if that’s the case I don’t want to give him that contract.