Are the Winnipeg Jets looking to boost Patrik Laine’s trade value?
Anthony Scultore
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The Patrik Laine drama in Winnipeg has been something to watch unfold. The Jets goal scoring winger wanted it well known that he has not asked to be traded. He felt he needed to because of all the rumors swirling around that he was available on the market.
Patrik Laine’s camp believes it’s best to move on
We have reached the point now that it feels like a divorce is coming. That was made crystal clear by Laine’s agents.
“[Laine’s] agents also made clear that it’s fair to say that given that Laine knows his name has been in trade discussions, and given that his usage in the lineup the last couple of years has been a constant topic of conversation, the fact that he doesn’t get consistent first-line minutes, his agents Mike Liut and Andy Scott do confirm that it probably would be mutually beneficial to both the player and to the team he is traded.” Pierre Lebrun on a recent Insider Trading.
Jets trying to boost Laine’s trade value
The Jets brought back Paul Stastny for a few reasons, including the need for a center. However, there’s was a lot of discussion that it was primarily to boost Laine’s trade value.
Paul Stastny and Patrik Laine played on a line together. They played really well. One of Patrik Laine’s biggest beefs has been, yes that he’s not on that top line with the Jets but it’s also to a degree the fact they haven’t really found a centerman that he can click with…But if you can bring in Paul Stastny it at least allows the Jets to buy some time, potentially keep Laine in the fold this year, and if he has a phenomenal year and puts up really good numbers, it just means that much more back on the trade market when it is time to go ahead and move that massive asset.
Sportsnet transcript via NHLRumors.com
This is heading to a Laine trade
Last season, Laine spoke to a Finnish reporter and said, “When you’re having contract negotiations, one thing always is who you are playing with.” The young forward didn’t stop there when he boldly said, “With the merits I have, somewhere else I’d have an opportunity to play with the best players. Everybody who understands hockey knows that.”
Those comments were not lost on head coach, Paul Maurice. In a post game presser soon after he mocked Laine by answering a question on Andrew Copp. “Did he tell you he wants to play with our best players?” Ouch!
Ultimately, we can all see where this is heading and that is a trade. Now when and to where will be questions to muse from now and until the trade deadline.