I don’t think anyone really hates him. Most just know he’s not going to be worth what he’s going to ask for.
I think he’s performed better ( production wise) then anyone would have thought in their wildest dreams.
It’s also true his resurgence came in 2 shortened lockout seasons against a lot of teams where the competition really wasn’t great.( again not his fault, covid restrictions).
There has been a bunch of times where he was exposed by more physical/stiffer/tighter/harder competition.
LaF is going to need to assume his spot on the PP, hopefully by next season.
He gets a lot of points on the PP by passing to fox or Panarin, and that’s where the magic takes over, but he has chemistry at even strength with panarin as well, there’s no doubts there.
As many have said, with Zibby signed for what he signed for, and what strome is going to want, it’s just not feasible or frankly a good idea to have both locked up long term as your 1-2 centers stylistically.
His biggest criticisms aren’t his Production, which is above average, it’s his D, physicality, 200ft game, and face offs. All very important aspects that centers need in playoff hockey.
Strome at 4.5 mill is a good deal for this team short term. Strome at 6 mill plus for 5 or more years is a liability with what Zibby just signed for.
He gets a lot of points, because he’s good with panarin and he’s rides shotgun on a very good PP ( when it’s working).
But like I’ve been saying, Panarin really hasn’t had any trouble playing with any center throughout his career. Except chytil unfortunately.
You take the decrease in points from panarin from 100pt to PPG-90pts and the center that’s replaces strome to 60-70 pts if they play an overall stronger game as a line and give up less.
Not to mention at least I for 1 think that we need to get our 1OA pick involved offensively. The hope is next season he hits the ground running at takes that spot on the PP. getting a couple easy points will do wonders for his confidence.
This season, there’s no need to fix what’s not broken if they are still performing and Stromes cap hit/term aren’t hurting us