NHL free agency: 5 fascinating restricted free agents
By Jasmine Yen
1. Patrik Laine – Winnipeg Jets
Position: Right wing
Age: 21 years old
Before this past season, it seemed like Patrik Laine was headed to a ridiculous monster deal but after his super-hot super-cold season, his next contract will be fascinating. Will he sign a bridge deal or will the Jets want to lock him up with max-term?
Despite his super cold streaks, Laine still lit the lamp. He had his third straight 30+ goal season and is one of the premier snipers in the NHL. However, for the rest of the aspects of his game, Laine straight up did not play well. His line struggled throughout the season as well as in the playoffs. He still needs to work on his overall play, but this guy scores and that’s what pays the best in the NHL.
That is what makes Laine’s next contract fascinating. On the basis of pure goals, Laine deserves a ton of money but who’s to say that his struggles from this season won’t continue or even get worse? The Jets can either sign a bridge deal to truly see what kind of player he becomes, or they can bet on him with a long-term deal and assume that it only gets better from here.
Next. 5 Teams Who Should Trade For Patrik Laine. dark
These five RFA’s have very interesting contract negotiations and their next deals could pave the path for the rest of the NHL. We are seeing a change in the NHL as young players are getting big money and it can change the face of the league.