The Vancouver Canucks are shopping around a few of their underperforming forwards, and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet writes in his latest 31 Thoughts column that the Nashville Predators are one of the teams interested in Adam Gaudette. The 24-year-old forward seemed to have a breakthrough season last year for the Canucks, scoring 33 points in 59 games, but was virtually invisible in the postseason and has just two points in 12 games this season. Gaudette is on a one-year, $950K contract this season and will be an arbitration-eligible RFA in the summer.
On the other name that is swirling around, Jake Virtanen, Friedman seems less certain but does note that the Boston Bruins were checking him out at one point. The San Jose Sharks “poked around” in the offseason, which makes sense given it appeared at one point as though Virtanen would not be back with the Canucks this year. The 24-year-old Virtanen still has just one point through 12 games.
- The recent benching of Patrik Laine was because he “verbally disrespected” a member of the coaching staff, according to both Aaron Portzline of The Athletic and Brian Hedger of the Columbus Post-Dispatch. The young forward and Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella told reporters today that the incident was behind them, and Laine is expected to be back on the top line with Jack Roslovic and Cam Atkinson when the team plays tomorrow. Despite all that has happened this season, Laine still has five goals and six points through five games, a testament to just how impressive his offensive ability can be. His is still a very interesting situation to watch unfold, however, after playing just 11 minutes on Monday night.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without Jared McCann a little longer than originally anticipated, as head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters today that the young forward will be out “week-to-week” while he deals with a lower-body injury. McCann played just four minutes in the team’s last game before exiting and has five points on the season.
Regarding Laine, the only thing he has (theoretically) in his favor, is that Jarmo *should* be able to talk some sense into him, if he gets off the rails again. If even Jarmo can’t get the point across, though, Laine’s time in CBJ will be measured in minutes, not years.
As an Edmonton Oilers follower (not necessarily sold on the team, but a fan), Jesse Puljujärvi came in and didn’t produce like Laine has and was sent back home because he wasn’t open to learning the language, the defense, the game really etc. demonstrating a level of immaturity.
Being drafted 4th overall and his agent made him over-value himself.
I feel like Laine has a handle on the game with his talent, but is having the same over-value immature approach.
With 20-somethings, this is understandable but when making millions and likely a lot of personality coaching if they continue to behave like a Tony DeAngelo it means they are not professionals.
It is a business after all.