45 Facts About Patrik Laine

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Patrik Laine's journey to becoming an NHL star began at a young age in Finland. His early experiences shaped his future in hockey.

1. Laine started playing hockey at four, initially trying every position, with goaltender being his favorite.
2. At 12, he switched to forward on his father's advice.
3. He left school at 16 to focus on hockey, making his professional debut with Tappara in the Finnish Liiga in 2014.

NHL Draft and Debut

Laine's entry into the NHL was highly anticipated, and he quickly made a name for himself.

4. The Winnipeg Jets selected Laine second overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
5. He debuted in the NHL on October 12, 2016, against the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring a goal and an assist.
6. On October 19, 2016, Laine scored his first NHL hat-trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
7. Just nine days later, he recorded his second hat-trick against the New York Islanders.

Challenges and Achievements

Despite facing challenges, Laine's talent shone through, earning him recognition and accolades.

8. Laine suffered a concussion on January 7, 2017, missing eight games.
9. He was selected for the 2017 NHL All-Star Game despite his injury.
10. In the 2017-18 season, Laine ranked second in goals scored with 44, behind Alexander Ovechkin.
11. He scored his first playoff goal in Game One against the Minnesota Wild, helping the Jets secure their first playoff win.
12. At 19 years and 357 days, Laine became the youngest player in Jets history to score a playoff goal.

Record-Breaking Performances

Laine's goal-scoring prowess led to several record-breaking performances.

13. In the 2017-18 season, he scored a career-high 44 goals and 70 points in 82 games.
14. During the 2018 NHL Global Series in Finland, Laine recorded his fifth career hat-trick against the Florida Panthers.
15. On November 19, 2018, he recorded his sixth career hat-trick against the Vancouver Canucks.
16. Laine scored five goals in a single game on November 24, 2018, against the St. Louis Blues.
17. He became the fourth-youngest player in NHL history to score 100 goals on November 29, 2018.

Trade to Columbus Blue Jackets

Laine's career took a new turn with a trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

18. In January 2021, Laine was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside Jack Roslovic for Pierre-Luc Dubois.
19. Since joining the Blue Jackets, Laine has appeared in 174 games, compiling 138 points (64 goals, 74 assists).
20. In the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, he played 45 of 56 games, scoring 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists).

Injury Struggles

Injuries have been a significant part of Laine's career, impacting his performance.

21. Laine has dealt with various injuries, including an oblique strain, elbow injury, sprained ankle, COVID-19 protocols, and a triceps strain.
22. Despite injuries, he scored 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) over an 11-game point streak from January 27 to February 24 in the 2021-22 season.
23. In the 2022-23 season opener, Laine scored before being sidelined with an elbow injury, later missing time with a sprained ankle and a triceps strain.
24. He suffered an upper-body injury after a hit by Rasmus Andersson in December 2023 and entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program in January 2024.

Contract and Trade Interest

Laine's contract and potential trade interest have been topics of discussion.

25. Laine has two seasons left on his contract, including a 10-team no-trade list, with a salary of $8.7 million per year.
26. Despite his contract status, there is interest from other teams in acquiring Laine.
27. The Blue Jackets hope to make a trade that benefits both parties.

Playing Style and Efficiency

Laine's playing style is unique, but he has faced challenges with efficiency.

28. Known for his intimidating shot and power skating, Laine is not a speedy skater but protects the puck well.
29. In recent seasons, he has struggled with efficiency, particularly in puck-handling and ice-scanning.
30. His lack of scanning and shoulder-checking the ice affects his awareness and ability to play fast.
31. Poor puck-handling further highlights his weaknesses.

Potential for Improvement

Despite challenges, Laine has the potential to improve and become a key player.

32. Fixing habits like poor puck support and reliance on stick-work over feet when defending could make Laine a pillar for the Blue Jackets.
33. His unique personality has been a refreshing departure from the ordinary, contributing to thrilling hot-streaks and cold-streaks.

Career Statistics and Comparisons

Laine's career statistics showcase his consistent scoring ability despite challenges.

34. Across eight NHL seasons, Laine has compiled 388 points (204 goals, 184 assists).
35. His career started strong in 2016-17 with 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 73 games.
36. After his first three NHL seasons, Laine ranked sixth in the NHL with 110 goals.
37. Compared to other players, Laine has not played a full 82 games since the 2018-19 season but still managed 63 points (28 goals, 35 assists) in the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season.

Impact of the Trade

The trade to the Blue Jackets was intended to boost their roster, but results have been mixed.

38. Since joining the Blue Jackets, Roslovic has led all players with 146 points and 51 goals, while Laine has compiled 138 points and 64 goals.
39. Laine's tenure with the Blue Jackets has been marred by injuries and bad luck, suggesting a fresh start might be beneficial.

Future Prospects

Laine's future remains promising, with potential for significant contributions.

40. Interest from other teams indicates Laine's value is still recognized in the NHL.
41. His contract includes a 10-team no-trade list, complicating potential trades.
42. In January 2024, Laine entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program due to an upper-body injury.
43. Finnish hockey scout Lassi Alanen has analyzed Laine’s game, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
44. According to EliteProspects, Laine’s greatest asset is his intimidating shot, with power and a long stride essential for his goal-scoring abilities.
45. As of the latest updates, Laine is playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Patrik Laine: A Dynamic NHL Talent

Patrik Laine has carved out a remarkable career in the NHL. From his early days in Finland to becoming a top draft pick for the Winnipeg Jets, his journey has been nothing short of impressive. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and intimidating shot, Laine quickly made a name for himself with multiple hat-tricks and even a five-goal game. Despite facing injuries and efficiency issues, his talent remains undeniable. His trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets marked a new chapter, filled with both challenges and opportunities. With a unique personality and a powerful playing style, Laine continues to be a significant figure in professional hockey. As he refines his game, the potential for even greater success is clear. Patrik Laine's story is a testament to his skill, resilience, and enduring impact on the NHL.