1. The Jets value a top line center more than a top winger
Cheveldayoff clearly indicated that he would have only considered trading Laine for a top line center or top pair defenseman, and that he would not have made this trade if he did not think it made the Jets a better team. He stressed that the opportunity to obtain a top line center in the current NHL climate was extremely challenging, which is why other teams were trying so hard to obtain Dubois.
Cheveldayoff described Dubois as a top line center who has strong analytics, drives play and rises to the occasion in big games. Cheveldayoff also stated that Dubois is a better positional fit for the Jets given elite wingers in the organization and with another elite forward coming in Cole Perfetti.
It was very telling that Cheveldayoff commented that the common thread with winning organizations is depth at center. He told the assembled media that having a big two-way center that makes other people around him better was an important factor in winning.
From these comments, while losing a talented scoring winger like Laine is difficult, the organization feels that their Stanley Cup championship potential has improved by adding Pierre-Luc Dubois, a top line two-way center.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What do you think about the Laine for Dubois trade? Leave your comments below!
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