Patrik Laine: From Draft Phenomenon to NHL Star. Is a name that stands out in the world of hockey, and for good reason. His exceptional talent was evident long before he even stepped onto an NHL rink.
Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, Laine made headlines at just 18 years old. He was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, showcasing his scoring prowess with seven goals and 12 points, leading the tournament in both categories. This performance was a clear indicator of his elite skill set.
Laine’s impressive abilities come from a combination of his powerful shot, impressive speed, and the skill that his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame provides. His physical presence and scoring threat are palpable each time he takes to the ice.
Prior to this standout performance, Laine had already begun making waves. During the 2015-16 season, at just 17 years old, he played a pivotal role for Tappara in Finland’s Elite League. After a brief stint the previous season, he led all rookies in the Liiga with 17 goals and 33 points over 46 games.
Laine’s impact wasn’t confined to the Finnish leagues. He led Finland to a gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring seven goals to tie with Auston Matthews for the tournament lead and earning a spot on the all-star team. In the Liiga playoffs that same year, he continued to shine, scoring 10 goals and 15 points in 18 games, leading Tappara to the championship and winning the Jari Kurri Award as the postseason’s best player.
Laine entered the NHL in the 2016-17 season with high expectations and quickly met them. He finished his rookie season with 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 73 games, and was a runner-up for the Calder Trophy. His second season saw him improve even further, finishing second in the NHL with 44 goals. He also contributed significantly in the playoffs, recording 12 points in 17 games to help the Jets reach the Western Conference Final.
On January 23, 2021, Laine was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Since then, he has accumulated 77 points (36 goals, 41 assists) over 101 regular-season games. He also signed a significant four-year, $34.8 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 22, 2022.
Patrik Laine’s journey from a highly-touted prospect to an NHL star is a testament to his skill and dedication, making him a player to watch for years to come.
In: aheasydiets.com. Thanks to: Recent News
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