The Winnipeg Jets landed a dangerous sniper when they nabbed Patrik Laine with the second pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, but they won’t get an early peek at him.
The Jets revealed that Laine won’t participate in on-ice activities during the team’s early July development camp as he recovers from a “minor” knee surgery he underwent following the NHL Combine.
As you may recall, PHT discussed Laine pulling out of a workout during the Combine because a “problem with his leg.”
It’s unclear when Laine may have been hurt - perhaps it was during the Combine, maybe sometime before it - although there was a controversial moment when Corey Perry collided with him during the world hockey championship.
However it happened, the knee issue isn’t being viewed as a big deal.
Most of the discussion revolves around the brash winger who could very well make an immediate impact in Winnipeg.
Cheveldayoff says he expects Patrik Laine to crack the NHL roster right away next season.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 25, 2016