I’ve not read a single person in this thread mention Fortnite among their concerns about Laine. That’s a strawman of your own making.
I made it pretty clear my concern is about his play. It’s been implied 1) that I didn’t understand it 2) that I just have something against him personally and 3) that I don’t care about results. I genuinely asked for stats to support the notion that he’s elite - I was given one and I wondered if it didn’t show that he was very good rather than elite. I was told that he has shown the ability to be elite in stretches and glimpses and assured that he will do so again and more.
So this current discussion is really just between people who are certain he is elite and people who aren’t so sure but will wait and see. That’s it.
We again find myself with nothing to say about Laine except to tell people who are sure they know what I think of him that that’s not what I think of him. Boring.
I think Laine has an elite shot with potential to become an elite player. His overall game isn't there (elite wise imo although it could be argued), but the shot most definitely is.
The encouraging thing I saw last year was how much better he made the team and how dangerous he was when he was playing well.
There are definitely reasons to doubt his game, he is streaky and appears to be lazy when not playing well. I didn't see a lot of that last year, there's going to be streaks good and bad but there's been less bad compared to two years ago.
Within the next 2 years, there will be a consensus of how good he is and what he is as a player. Every time Laine has a bad stretch, the doubters will come out and when Laine is scoring goals, the supporters will be posting. It's truly ebb and flow.
What this team as a whole needs to figure out is if Laine at 8.7 million is worth it and just how good should he be for that kind of money.
Sure, I can see the possibility of him being a lazy player with a cannon who scores 30 goals and is a turnover machine. You're foolish to think that couldnt happen, especially with how many injuries he's had. Maybe he gets injured and is never the same.
Here's the thing, he's signed for 4 years, even if he's overpaid, 30 goals a year isnt bad. He's a constant threat and that is worth something.
Other scenario, Laine continues to progress and works on his overall game which allows his playmaking ability start to shine. He improves away from the puck which opens up more opportunities to score and add assists.
He's not a finished product, there's more to be developed and improved upon. He also has the drive to improve, you dont take 4 years because you want to mail it in.
He wants superstar money, he wants to prove it. Let him do it and see who he is after this contract.
He's 7th in goals with 0.81P/GP for his career pre 20-21. 
Let's be honest, he's a great player, but an elite player needs to have more seasons like that, with more than 1PPG. I like him, but what's a lot is a lot.
