Another big restricted free agent domino fell today when Matthew Tkachuk signed the most expensive three-year bridge deal in NHL history. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription required) examined what that means for the last three unsigned stars, with particular interest in Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets. According to LeBrun, the focus between Laine and the Jets is on a two-year contract, with the team hoping for an average annual value around $6MM and the player looking for more than $7MM per season. There have also been teams reaching out to Laine’s camp, though it’s not clear if that is offer sheet or trade interest.
Though there is still significant intrigue in Colorado with Mikko Rantanen, the Jets are the focus of attention for many hockey fans right now as they prepare to begin the season with a roster that looks very different than last season. Already departed through trade or free agency are Tyler Myers, Jacob Trouba, Ben Chiarot and Brandon Tanev, while Dustin Byfuglien has stepped away to consider whether he even wants to play another minute of NHL hockey. If Kyle Connor and Laine are both not signed by opening day, suddenly a once powerful Jets team will be considered a shadow of their former selves.
There is still a week before that nightmare becomes a reality, as the Jets don’t open their season until Thursday, October 3rd. Unfortunately it will be Trouba and the New York Rangers coming to visit, reminding them again of who has left over the last few months.
Laine, 21, has proven to be one of the most dynamic goal scorers in the world over his three years in the league, but also brings with him a level of inconsistency that makes it hard for either side to lock down a value long-term. The Jets also have serious cap implications to consider, even if their roster currently sits more than $20MM under the ceiling. That doesn’t include the $7.4MM that could be assigned to Byfuglien the moment he returns (if he returns), meaning they have to be careful with how much they hand out to Connor and Laine in the first place.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Just gonna put it out there…Toronto should trade Nylander to Jets and sign Laine for what he’s asking! Laine is a far more prolific scorer on the wing…pair him up with Matthews and you may just have the most dangerous line in NHL History!
Nah
and why would the Jets want Nylander just to watch Laine leave?
Msg from K. Cheveldayoff: “01110011-01101111-01110011”
Can’t see why the Jets would do that unless Laine is really demeaning something outrageous.
Lol that line wouldn’t even be close to the Edmonton lines led by Gretzky
Someone done fell and bumped their head.
That was Laine…he’s blaming his deficient linemates.
Mac you getting good , I like that one! Thanks! Take Care.
After beating the little gray matter upstairs, I finally came up with a similar idea to you guys’ Snipe Hunting, which goes way back in history in your neck of the woods. I came up with the infamous “Exercise in Futility” long ago, which was similar to a line given by one M. Lemieux during pre-season “fitness” testing. As urban legend goes, he took one look at a loaded up barbell and said either “Put me down for 1” or “Put me down for none”. I may have poached that from one of Ray’s podcasts, or maybe OverDrive. My saying preceded his, though.
Can’t believe a team like Columbus hasn’t offered either Laine or Mikko 9-10 Million over 7-8 years.
They may have – us stiffs on the outside won’t find out until after the guy gets signed, and maybe not then, either. Marner was supposedly approached at least twice and Point at least once, according to several insiders. Besides, this close to the regular season, very few teams have cap space & draft picks, or they don’t want to part with the picks or overpay.
CthaTaste,
All that sugar from your Mccain fruit juice has gone to your head if you think either of those is even worth that kind of coin!
His name sounds like a Drink that you get at Sonic…