As many experts expected, the Winnipeg Jets have drafted Patrik Laine second overall. Laine played for Tappara in Finland’s top domestic league, the Liiga. As a 17-year-old rookie he scored 33 points in 46 games and was named the top newcomer.
Laine has been compared in recent weeks to another famous Finn: Teemu Selanne. Selanne is beloved in Winnipeg and has said that he thinks that Laine will be a good fit in the city. That said, Laine has said he is not ready for the NHL until he has the summer to train.
This is the first of two first round draft picks for the Jets. They pick again at 22 with the pick they got from the Chicago Blackhawks in the Andrew Ladd trade.
.@PatrikLaine29 goes 1-on-1 with JetsTV following his selection!
Presented by @CanadNation.https://t.co/upeJ8Mwuoo
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 25, 2016
“This is the best day and moment of my life so far.” –@PatrikLaine29
Presented by @CanadNation!https://t.co/I8ipWOsnfL
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 25, 2016
Big day for the @NHLJets. Congrats @PatrikLaine29 and welcome to Winnipeg! Bring a heavy coat
— Blake Wheeler (@BiggieFunke) June 25, 2016
Congrats @PatrikLaine29 you are gonna love Winnipeg!!! ✈️
— Teemu Selanne (@TeemuSel8nne) June 25, 2016
Welcome to the team @PatrikLaine29 ✈️✈️✈️ Enjoy the night!
— Nikolaj Ehlers (@NikolajEhlers24) June 24, 2016
@PatrikLaine29 Welcome to the @NHLJets
— mark scheifele (@markscheifele55) June 24, 2016
