The Jets have added another big prospect to their pool in the form of Patrik Laine with the second overall pick in the 2016 draft.
2016 NHL Draft: Winnipeg Jets select Patrik Laine second overall
The confident winger is headed to Winnipeg.
The 18-year-old right winger has spent the last two seasons with Tappara of the Finnish Liiga. In the 2015-16 year, Laine scored 17 goals and 33 points in 46 games. Laine really turned heads at the 2016 World Junior Championships, where he helped lead Team Finland to a gold medal on home ice. He finished with 13 points in seven games during the tournament.
He also represented Finland well at the 2016 World Championships, with seven goals and 12 points in 12 games.
That goal-scoring touch is what makes Laine stand out. With a big 6’4 frame, Laine is able to protect the puck well and can finish very well with a quick wrist shot or a powerful slap shot from the top of the circle. Scouts have noted that skating is an area he needs to improve, but the Jets are certainly getting one of the best scorers in the draft this year.
Whether he returns to Finland or makes the NHL out of training camp remains to be seen.
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