Winnipeg Jets superstar forward Patrik Laine is injured and will miss tonight’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs with an undisclosed upper-body injury. Paul Marice, head coach of the Jets, broke the news to reporters earlier today.
Patrik Laine is out tonight with an upper-body injury, per Paul Maurice.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 18, 2021
Patrik Laine Injured, Will Miss Clash with Maple Leafs
Laine scored twice and dished out an assist in a win against Calgary in overtime, his only game played of the season. Last season, Laine had 28 goals and 35 assists, adding up to 63 points, in a 68 game season. He had a plus/minus of +8, along with 22 minutes in penalties. His Corsi was 48.4 percent, along with a relative Corsi of -0.7. In his five year career, Laine has played 306 games, scoring 140 goals and 110 assists, adding up to a total of 250 points. His overall Corsi is a 48.3, and a relative Corsi of -1.7, which reflects his poor defensive gameplay.
Even with Patrik Laine injured, his teammates should be able to pick up the slack. Winger Kyle Connor and centerman Mark Scheifele are capable of lighting the lamp consistently – both leading the 2019-20 Jets with 73 points and Connor leading the team in goals with 38. Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers are usually on the first line with Laine, but today, Blake Wheeler will step up in his place.
Even with trade rumours circling, Laine is still a key part of the Jets franchise. While there are a few fans that think he could be traded for Pierre-Luc Dubois, it seems Laine is staying put for now. If these trade rumours will affect his mental attitude and locker room presence, it will be obvious later in the season. While he has a lot to work on in his defensive game, his offensive talents are top tier. The Jets have a lot of faith in him, and they will have to do without him for tonight’s game.
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