Yeah, on a serious note, I always thought the critique went a little over-board last season.
But I think its important to learn and remember that almost everyone -- must -- receive sufficient support to produce, and that producing goals/pts never is digital. I think there is an extreme tendency to make a quick judgement of a player based on production.
Winnipeg has always provided a lot of support for Laine. If he came to a team that was a complete mess and didn't have players that was a good fit next to him, Laine wouldn't have been a hit right of the bat either.
Nylander is a great example. He had a challenging year last season and people were laughing at him, suggesting he be moved. I was begging my Flyguys would trade Ghost for Willy, but Toronto wisely held into him and hes developing into what they thought he was.
There are plenty of guys who are worth more than their production but are looked down upon because their numbers arent satisfactory.
Look at Kessel or Sprong or Subban or Bobrovsky or Skinner or Galchenyuk or Ladd or Price, etc. These guys were raved for their "numbers" and they "earned" huge contracts. Just about every player listed would be bought out if there were no penalty.
Numbers matter, absolutely, but they arent the be all end all