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Winnipeg Jets F Patrik Laine may be the next Ovechkin

By Anthony Jacob

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Patrik Laine poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number two overall draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Patrik Laine poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number two overall draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’ve all by now seen the potential of Patrik Laine, whether it be in ridiculous YouTube videos, or in live action. We’ve all heard insane ideas he can become the next Alex Ovechkin, who beat out Sidney Crosby for the Calder Trophy in 2005. Laine is facing a similar task, looking up at 2016 1st Overall Pick Auston Matthews. He also can’t ignore that him and “The Great 8” have nearly identical playing styles. They both play an aggressive game, highlighted by world class shots. That puts a lot of unwarranted pressure on a star, who is still a teenager. What can we expect from two of the Jets top rookies, without putting too much pressure on them ?

Kyle Connor –
Connor blew up college last season, and when we say “blew up”, we mean no one was in the same square mile as Kyle, in terms of scoring pace. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, coveted by all college prospects, and in fact beat the winner, Jimmy Vesey, by

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

almost half a point per game. With his college career over, he can either play for Winnipeg, or with the Moose in the AHL. If he clicks early in the season with another of the Jets talented forwards, we could see an excellent rookie output of around 50 points, playing with someone like Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler, or Patrik Laine. Someone with this much skill could always go on a complete tear, and potentially be in competition for the Calder Trophy.

Patrik Laine –
Patrik Laine himself has stated he does not want to play in the AHL, and might return to Finland if he doesn’t make the Jets roster. A 2nd overall pick can easily crack an NHL roster though, and that’s what Laine is going to do, playing in the top 6, with the likes of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, and Nikolaj Ehlers. In Patrik’s first NHL season, he might get more goals than he does assists, like his role model, Ovechkin does on a regular basis. Realistic expectations would be around the 30 goal, 30 assist mark, which may not by anywhere near Ovis 106 point rookie season, but in an era where there’s less and less goals scored, 60 points is quite an achievement for just a rookie.

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