Winnipeg Jets star right winger Patrik Laine still remains a potential trade candidate. If the Jets do trade him, what will they receive in return?
It has been approximately two months since TSN’s Pierre Lebrun dropped the bomb that Patrik Laine’s agents advised that they felt that it would be “mutually beneficial” if Laine moved on from the Winnipeg Jets.
Technically this was not a trade demand, but it’s close to being one. If your spouse tells you it would be “mutually beneficial” to live separate and apart from each other, your spouse is asking for a divorce.
I believe that Patrik Laine will be with the Jets at the start of 2021 regular season. I also believe there is some truth to the rumors. If Laine is traded, what is his actual trade value?
Laine is a rising star who last regular season finished 27th in points scored, and 23rd in goals scored in the NHL. He was the fourth leading points scorer on the Jets. In terms of player comparisons, this puts Laine in the general vicinity of Brayden Point, Mark Stone, and Teuvo Teravainen.
That is excellent company but is not the top tier of NHL forwards. Mark Stone and Patrik Laine both had 63 points last season. Over their careers Laine has scored at a rate of .81 points per game; and Stone at .86 points per game. Laine is the superior goal scorer; while Stone is excellent defensively and is a four-time Frank J. Selke Trophy top five finalist.
In 2018 Stone was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Oscar Lindberg, defense prospect Erik Brannstrom and a 2020 second round draft pick (originally belonging to the Dallas Stars). Lindberg is currently playing in the KHL and unlikely to return to the NHL. The second-round pick ended up being the 61st pick overall. Brannstrom played well in the AHL last season and is considered a legitimate NHL top four defense prospect.
Based on the early results, Ottawa received very little in return for Stone. Jets fans hoping for a huge haul for Laine may be disappointed should GM Kevin Cheveldayoff be forced to move him. Trading a prolific young goal scorer seldom works out, but if it happens, let’s hope the Jets receive a higher return than the Senators.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your thoughts on what the Jets could receive in exchange for Patrik Laine? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by the NHL*