Quoting: Pierre_from_Orleans
Yeah, I hear you. His first year was incredible. Who knows, he might have a bounce back season with the new coach in Columbus. Maurice and Torts aren't exactly coaches that let young guys make mistakes and the style of game he plays, he's going to make mistakes.
He’ll bounce back. Was dealt into a nightmare of a situation in Cbus last year, for all involved. And for all the talk of Laine being a **** player now or something, the bad part of his resume from last year boils down to a **** stretch in the last 25 or so games of the year (a lot in a truncated year, I know).
Even if he has another poor season with CBJ, I think the trade market for him will be good, if he’s traded. The acquiring team knows he’d be more inclined to accept a short, team friendly deal, while also knowing he has a resume that includes 150 goals. At age 23. So it’s not like he’s a bust or completely useless.
As for this trade? OTT would be better off with Tkachuk. Laine is all offense, and would be a good add if they were already a playoff contender. Not to mention the amount of team control.
For where they are, Tkachuk is the better player. CBJ would have to add.