We all know Mantha's ceiling is 30+30 for 60 points a year if someone can CARRY his lazy ass there.
Also keep in mind forwards typically start regressing offensively in their late 20s. Typically by 27 they have already reached their career high in points.
Mantha is already 25 so these 2 seasons are likely his offensive peak. Gonna be downhill from there.
I also consider his 15 points in 8 games to end the season a statistical anomoly and NOT what he can produce every night.
Laine is clearly higher end than Mantha as a goalscorer, but Mantha's has three elements that make me very reluctant to trade him
1) Big big guy - always take longer to hit their stride unless ELITE, and skilled big guys tend to stay good longer, especially if they can skate
2) No hard miles on the clock. The way Mantha plays can be irritating in its floatyness, but it will likely allow him to play to his peak level for longer, whatever that peak is
3) Impossible to be sure, but all previous public utterances, his humility and previous contract negotiations suggest he will remain relatively affordable for his output level.
The fact that this proposed deal would require Mantha + + makes it a no for me. Were it straight up I'd be keen as Laine's shot is wowsers, but it would cost us more than its worth given where we are at the mo