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Patrik Laine Hit Memorable Milestone 2 Years Ago Today
At just 22, Patrik Laine is developing into one of the games best finishers.
On this day in 2018 Patrik Laine scored twice against the Chicago Blackhawks. The evening was significant as he became the fourth-youngest player in the NHL to reach the 100-goal mark at just 20 years and 224 days of age. The marker put him in some select company as far as NHL snipers are concerned.
Related: Real Reason Jets Signed Stastny Wasn’t To Keep Patrik Laine [Report]
Laine is unquestionably on track to become one of the games best finishers. The most obvious long-term comparison might be Alex Ovechkin — both players were highly ranked European prospects and early NHL draft selections. Both players are right handed wingers, and are the easy choice as trigger man on their respective power plays.
Although Ovechkin might be categorized as a heavier player in terms of physical play, many folks forget that the young Jet stands 6’5. Despite the offensive prowess, both players have received plenty of criticism on the defensive side of the puck.
This is nothing new for pure goal scoring talent. Offensively gifted players always get a far longer leash when it comes to defensive errors. After all, where else can a team find players that can shoot and score like either of these two stars?
Organizational Commitment
The one notable difference between these two players is the lack of organizational commitment. The situation in Washington never seemed to be perfect but Ovechkin persisted and was rewarded with his, and the Capitals, first Stanley Cup victory in 2018.
So far, Laine doesn’t seem intent on making that same level of commitment with the Jets. In fact, most outside observers are trying to predict when his inevitable transaction out of Winnipeg takes place.
My guess is that the Jets would love to keep Laine – for obvious long-term reasons. Even if Laine has half the career Ovechkin does he will be a good offensive NHL player.
However, an organization can’t force a player to enjoy the city or the team or the role they are given. With the knowledge that Laine becomes an RFA next season and understanding his apparent unhappiness in Winnipeg, the team needs to consider sacrificing the long-term potential to make improvements in the interim. One could argue that Winnipeg may be able to improve the overall balance of the lineup. Several weeks ago I made note of the positional salary imbalance the Jets are currently facing. Specifically, the Jets salary by position breaks down like this:
- Forwards – $53M (65.2%)
- Defense – $16M (19.7%)
- Goalies – $7.6M (9.4%)
Related: Six Possible Patrik Laine Trade Options for Jets to Consider
This imbalance between forward and defense pay is the largest in the league. It is also the lowest salary spent on a group of NHL defensemen heading into the 2020-21 season.
The one scenario that would help ease that imbalance is the unfortunate case of Bryan Little. His $5.2M has already been placed on the injury reserve, but it may soon go on the LTIR which would free up his salary for 2020-21. The Jets could then use those funds to sign one of the remaining UFA defenders still on the market – Sami Vatanen, Karl Alzner or Manitoban Travis Hamonic.
Jets Without Laine
However, is there a scenario where the Jets can address the blue line by trading Laine? Probably. The fact of the matter is that the forward group in Winnipeg is among the league’s deepest with Laine, but also has a ton of depth without him. Led by captain, Blake Wheeler the roster includes Kyle Connor, Mark Schiefele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Paul Stastny and a healthy Bryan Little.
Add a few prospects like recently drafted Cole Perfetti, or Kristian Vesalainen/David Gustafsson and the Jets still have plenty of firepower on hand.
Would it be tough to give up on a potential hall of fame caliber scorer? For sure, but if you can acquire the right pieces in exchange then the Jets might be a better overall team as result.
NEXT: Trade Idea: Ducks Move Kesler For Tyler Johnson in Cap Space Deal
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