Georges Laraque Set the Internet Ablaze With a Statement Involving Alexis Lafrenière and the Canadiens

The former Canadiens player mentioned that despite his disappointing playoff performance and the fact that the Quebecer has been slow to develop in the NHL, he would pay a hefty price to acquire him.

Here's what he suggests as a trade to add the 2020 first overall pick to the Canadiens :

Wow!

The fact that he mentions he wouldn't hesitate for a second demonstrates his lack of understanding in evaluating the talent of the 2023 draft class.

He likely hasn't watched any of the top-10 projected first round prospects since a large proportion of them have similar, if not higher, potential than Lafrenière.

Even though we love Lafrenière and believe in his talent, we don't agree with Laraque on this.

From a talent perspective, it's out of question to give up a guy like Matvei Michkov, Zach Benson, Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, Oliver Moore, etc., for the 21-year-old left winger.

All these players could at least have a similar impact to the Quebecer when they arrive in the NHL. Players like Michkov, Smith, and Benson could all become league stars very quickly.

Moreover, with Juraj Slafkovsky's project in Montreal already occupying a spot on the left wing, there is no room for Lafrenière in Montreal without impeding the development of one or the other.

In our opinion, paying a sixth overall pick for the Rangers forward would be a serious mistake, given the type of player who could be drafted at that position next June.

Would you make this trade if you were the Canadiens' GM?

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