Patrik Laine was named one of the NHL’s three stars of the week on Monday to highlight his excellent start to the new season, but Winnipeg Jets fans should be wary.
With a 4-3-0 record through seven games, the Winnipeg Jets have had an inconsistent start to the 2019-20 season. However, the same can’t be said of Patrik Laine.
As reported by The Canadian Press via CBC on Monday, Laine was named the NHL’s second star for the week ending Oct. 13. He led the league with eight points during the week (two goals and six assists), as he helped the Jets pick up three wins.
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This run of production has the 21-year-old sitting on 11 overall points (three goals and eight assists), sitting just one behind first place in the league following Monday’s slate of games. Even this early in the campaign, this represents a promising sign for both the player and his team.
Laine’s form is likely also a huge relief for the Jets’ fan base, which at one point was concerned he wouldn’t even be with the team for the start of this season. As a restricted free agent without a contract during the offseason, negotiations went on considerably longer than anticipated.
At one point the 2017 NHL All-Star even went to Switzerland to train with SC Bern, due to his familiarity with several of their coaches. Fortunately for everyone concerned, he eventually signed a two-year, $13.5 million deal just six days before the start of the regular season.
Laine admitted that the lack of a deal had played on his mind during last season, contributing to what was the worst output of his three years in the NHL. He finished the 2018-19 campaign with career lows in a whole host of categories, including goals, assists, overall points, plus/minus rating and shooting percentage.
Now, it certainly looks as if the 2016 second overall draft pick is primed for a special season. There is no denying he is an elite talent who is only going to get better.
Having said this, Jets fans would do well not to get too carried away just yet. While Laine’s skill level is unquestioned, you only have to look back to last season as a cautionary note moving forward.
Consider that the winger was on fire early, specifically during November, when he had 18 goals and one assist. Combined with October, he had 24 points (21 goals and three assists) through his first 24 games of the campaign.
Unfortunately for Laine and the Jets, he then suffered a major dip in form. He had just 26 points the rest of the way in 58 games, including a lowly nine goals
In theory, this shouldn’t be an issue again in 2019-20, given that the Tampere, Finland native now has the security of a contract. However, you can be sure questions will be asked about what other issues there are if he does suffer a similar dip in form at any point this season.
This isn’t necessarily fair, but such is life in the bright spotlight of professional sports. It will be up to Laine to not give the media any reason (or excuse) to discuss any lack of productivity. The NHL season is still young. Regardless, what kind of success are you predicting for Laine specifically and the Winnipeg Jets as a team? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.