PhoPhan
Registered User
- Feb 27, 2002
- 14,724
- 100
I had Laplante a little lower than where the Coyotes took him (as compared to Domi and Dauphin, who were both BPA on me list at the time), but I like this pick a lot. Such a versatile skillset. At worst, I think we're looking at a heart-and-soul bottom six agitator along the lines of Andrew Shaw or Brandon Prust (or maybe Ian Laperriere if we want a Quebecois comparable), a middleweight who will drop the gloves or skate on an upper line if necessary, backchecking, blocking shots and even showing up on the scoresheet occasionally. Players like these are important to a good team, and while they're usually available via free agency or trade, the really good ones are worth hanging onto. If Laplante can deliver on that potential, he's a good return on a 3rd round pick, and if he can start contributing on that level in a few years, he'll be a great value for what is likely to still be a budget team.
His true upside is a little higher, even. If everything goes right, he could be a true second line forward, skilled enough to pot 40-50 points while being defensively responsible and pretty nasty at the same time. Getting that sort of player from a third round pick would be phenomenal.
His true upside is a little higher, even. If everything goes right, he could be a true second line forward, skilled enough to pot 40-50 points while being defensively responsible and pretty nasty at the same time. Getting that sort of player from a third round pick would be phenomenal.
