I'd still probably lean toward Matthews. The Pens would then be able to essentially roll out three #1 lines, with an elite center driving each one.
Laine would make one line dominant, but they'd be a bit top heavy.
Pens have Brassard though, one of the best playoff performers of the last several years.
So they can still roll three great lines if they have Laine.
I also think Laine gives them the best chance to maximize Crosby and Malkin while they are still elite players. Swap out Sheary for Laine and that's a crazy top nine..
With Matthews, he or Brassard are playing out of position.... not sure how well that would work.
Also have to consider how happy Matthews would be playing third line pivot for the next few years. Probably wouldn't be too thrilled about it.
Isn't that what the Penguins did when they had Crosby, Malkin and Jordan Staal as their top 3 centres?
Then Staal got mad and wanted to leave so...
Like I said above, how long would Matthews be happy being a third pivot? He certainly wouldn't push Crosby or Malkin into that role for the foreseeable future.