So Laine played ~half a season in total out of two full seasons with Scheifele where Hall probably played mostly with Eberle (does anyone have any specifics on this by the way?), therefore Laine has some kind of an edge? Laine's most regular center has been Little not Scheifele, and there's no need to even go there. Furthermore Hall's points, let alone goals where never anywhere near Laine's despite of playing more minutes, so quite frankly I'm not sure where you coming with all this.
Laine is the leading goal scorer of the NHL since entering it. Hall has absolutely nothing equivalent in the resume and they absolutely are NOT in the same ballpark.
Laine has already passed Stamkos as the better goal scorer with era adjusted statistics and has 16 more games left to play. See for yourself:
One stat that puts Patrik Laine’s teenage years into legendary status - Article - BARDOWN
He will also outscore Stamkos in era adjusted total points barring an injury. So yeah, definitely tier if not four below pay wise! This example at least is a notch better than the one with Hall. I just wonder who comes next.
I understand the need to look for whatever possible statistics or data to justify a lower salary hit, but this is a bit ridiculous and certainly won't be determined at the HFboards.