1. March 22- Patrik Laine Returns to Winnipeg
It was just over a week into the 2021 season that one of the biggest trades of the season happened when the Winnipeg Jets traded Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Before that trade, there was constant speculation and rumors regarding Laine after his agent said it would be “mutually beneficial” if he left Winnipeg.
After Laine finally got his trade, he had one of his worst statistical seasons in Columbus. The prolific goal scorer was held to ten goals and eleven assists in 45 games with the Blue Jackets and finished with a minus-29 plus/minus.
But with a new head coach taking the helm in Columbus, Laine decided to accept a one-year qualifying offer with the Jackets for this upcoming season.
On March 22, for the first time since the blockbuster trade happened, Laine will be back on the ice in Winnipeg but this time he will be appearing in opposing colors.
The twenty-three-year-old had outstanding numbers as a member of the Jets, scoring 140 goals and adding another 110 assists in only 306 games.
It will be interesting to see the kind of reception the Jets faithful will give Laine upon his return to the Canada Life Centre.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: As of right now, which Winnipeg Jets game are you most excited for during the 21-22 season? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by the NHL*