Patrik Laine's 2016-17 Rookie Report Card

Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets Was the 2nd Overall Pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft And One of the Most Anticipated Rookies This Season. Laine Made Waves And Was An Extremely Vital Member of the Jets. See Our Review of Laine’s Rookie Season.

Hockey fans throughout the NHL were excited to see Patrik Laine take the ice for his rookie season with the Jets this past Fall. He was the 2nd overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and the then-18-year-old was set to immediately join the Jets in Winnipeg.

Laine took the season by storm and achieved quite a few feats in the process. The rookie became the youngest player to become an NHL all-star and led the NHL with his three hat tricks this season. Laine set the pace for an incredible career the moment he stepped onto the ice in Winnipeg.

Here, we’ll go over some grades for Laine’s first season in the NHL.

Winnipeg Jet Patrik Laine’s Rookie Report Card

2016-17 Season Stats

36 G, 28 A, 64 P in 73 GP

Offensive Play: A

Laine was an offensive powerhouse this season. The rookie was second among all rookies in terms of goals and points, second only to Auston Matthews. Laine also led the Jets for his high goal count and was third on the team in terms of points.

Laine notched three hat tricks during the season and led the league with the hat trick high. His offensive abilities were a priority for the Jets and he was a game changer on more than one occasion for the team.

His offense was almost unparalleled, especially given his young age. Laine was unstoppable and was a serious threat for even the best of defense and goaltenders. His offense has been incredible and without break during his first NHL season and is only destined to improve.

Defensive Play: B

Laine wasn’t known for his defensive play, mostly because he was too busy scoring all the time, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t hold his own on the ice. The rookie was speedy and dominant when he was on the ice and made sure he didn’t get pushed around too much.

Laine has a big body and stands at 6-foot-5, 206 lbs., so it isn’t too hard to imagine the rookie making some hits and keeping control when he receives some. Laine consistently puts his all into his play and his defensive play was no different.

I wouldn’t say he put up top defensive play, but he held his own on the ice, broke up plays and stole the puck when he was able to. He is definitely a power scorer, but he did hold his own on the defensive play.

Play-making/ Ice Presence: A

The scoring powerhouse strikes again. Simply put, when Laine was on the ice, he was making things happen. Laine knew how to control a play from start to finish. The rookie was as good at executing a goal as he was at starting a perfect play

Laine had terrific ice presence in his rookie season and the Jets wanted Laine out on the ice as often as possible. The rookie was commanding and in control when he was in the rink; he wasn’t shy at making big plays and being a huge benefit to his team.

Laine sustained incredible ice presence and it was far better for him to be out and playing as often as possible. When Laine was sidelined as the result of a concussion he sustained during a game, the team suffered without having one of their powerhouses on the ice. If a team misses a player in his absence, he ranks high for his ice presence and play-making abilities.

Potential: A

It can only go up from here. Laine posted an incredible record for his rookie season and is a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy for this season. His talents and skills are only destined to improve as he continues into his second season.

Sure, some players might fall victim to the sophomore slump but this isn’t likely for this talented player. Laine oozes with potential and is only destined to get better as he continues his career. The rookie made too much of a splash not to continue it as he progresses and grows.

Hockey fans have compared Laine’s talent to that of Alex Ovechkin, who has had an outstanding career thus far. Laine is destined to be one of the NHL’s best.

Overall Grade: A

Laine had an incredible first season in the NHL. The rookie made a very impressive run for the Calder Trophy despite any setbacks he faced, including a brief concussion. Laine has risen to the occasion, time and time again, to prove what he has what it takes to be one of the NHL’s greats.

Laine will grow and progress to be one of the NHL’s all-time greats. Laine and Matthews were one of the most highly anticipated rookies in a long time and Laine made sure not to disappoint. He notched achievements that some players hardly reach in a few seasons, or even a career, nevermind just their first season.

Laine is destined for greatness and has given hockey fans a taste of what it’ll feel like for the rest of his career.

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Patrik Laine’s 2016-17 Rookie Report Card

By Alyssa Naimoli | Jun 2, 2017