We should probably caution to take this with a huge grain of salt, but an NHL trade rumours blog is reporting the Jets are looking to ship restricted free agent Patrik Laine out of Winnipeg, and a likely trade partner at this point seems to be the Carolina Hurricanes. NHL Trade Rumors is quoting "sources" as saying several teams are interested in acquiring Laine, but the Jets have their eye on getting the Canes 2nd overall pick in the 2018 entry draft, Andrei Svechnikov.
We have no idea if these "sources" are credible, but it's worth noting that several recent comments by Laine, who has 110 goals since entering the league three seasons ago, make it seem like he's at least indifferent to returning to Winnipeg for the upcoming season, if not completely against it. He recently stated all he knows is that he'll be playing "somewhere" when the regular season starts, and added "I'd always like to play with the best and I haven't got that chance yet . I hope I can get here sometime during my career."
19-year-old Svechnikov, a right winger, had 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points last season, his first in the NHL. He is certainly poised for a long, successful NHL career.
NHL Trade Rumors writes:
In order for this deal to work financially, someone else off of Carolina would need to go the other way. The rumored deal would be centred around the two young stars, however, with names like Jacob Slavin and Brett Pesce being mentioned as well, with Winnipeg being willing to package picks and prospects.It is believed the leadership group in Winnipeg has lost faith in Laine's work ethic and think they may be better off without him.
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