Slump aside, Laine's still younger and has proven more. While a true star should shine regardless, it's clear Laine isn't in a position to best maximize his talents right now. He doesn't have chemistry with Little and he's off PP1 now. Boeser's play hasn't been as consistently good as last year either, but with the Canucks not having the depth of the Jets, he still gets the majority of the offensive ice time with Pettersson on the top line and on the first PP unit. I'm betting he would be struggling as well if he was playing with players he didn't gel with. Both actually have similar strengths and weaknesses, but Laine's shot is just far beyond Boeser's, especially this year. You have to take him long term unless the cap difference is massive.