PATRIK LAINE, LW/RW
TAPPARA TEMPERE (FINLAND) | 6′ 4″, 201
17-16-33 in 46 games
Over time, he might prove to be as fine a player as Matthews … maybe even better. Laine isn’t quite the overall package, but he’s a more dynamic scorer and the more likely of the two to challenge for the Art Ross and the Rocket Richard. Coming off an MVP performance at the World Championship, he’ll step into a top-six role next season.
He’s a typical power-forward, with an intriguing combination of size, skill and strength to complement his soft hands and big shot.
- SCOUT SAYS: “I’ve never heard of a 17-year-old dominating a men’s league like Finland’s the way he did. He has an exceptional shot, a quick release…and throws everything net. He’ll be a volume scorer.”
- COMPARABLE NHL PLAYER: Alex Ovechkin and Esa Tikkanen