GameChanger
Registered User
- Jun 29, 2016
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Had we picked 2nd OA in that draft we would've landed Laine. 6th instead of 7th in Nurse's year we could've had Monahan, etc. I want as high of a pick as possible, it will help the team whether we have the same or a new GM. You can't preach moral victories to a team that was seen as many as a contender and instead is in the running for 1st OA. The more losses the better chance of at least a new coaching staff.
I consider you as one of the smartest writers here and I agree with what you wrote, but there's no guarantee Laine would be the same player if he'd been drafted by the Oilers.
I'm not comparing him and Jesse and I'm not underestimating Laine, but I think he's another good example of a player who could've suffered from the Oilers "development" program. I followed his first year very carefully so I believe I know what I'm talking about here.
Laine had tough preseason games so he might've started the first season in the AHL. He also had some tough times and confidence issues (which he admitted himself), but was able to overcome them with the help of good linemates and excellent PP setup. Might've been different with e.g. Caggiula and Khaira/Pouliot and no PP time. He was also prone to bad mistakes and TM's way to bench a player after one could've been brutal.
The Jets wanted to develop him into the best possible player and knew that would require a longer leash and proper usage. There's no reason to think it would've been the same in the Oilers, as TM's way is pretty much the opposite.