Patrik Laine is at the Winnipeg Jets’ 2021 training camp whether he wants to be there or not. The young Finnish sniper addressed the trade rumors surrounding his name on the opening day of the Jets’ trading camp.
Laine’s agents, Mike Liut and Andy Scott, verbalized during the offseason that it would be “mutually beneficial” for the Jets and Laine to part ways. It’s long been known that Laine has been frustrated with his usage in Winnipeg and desires consistent first-line minutes.
Laine didn’t deny a trade request or say he wishes to remain a Winnipeg Jet, but rather just stated he’s here to play and that trade speculation is “part of the game”. There was also a funny nugget involving Gretzky.
“I’m here, aren’t I?,” said Laine. “That’s the only thing I’m worried about right now. I’m not in charge of what other people are saying. I don’t worry about that stuff. Even Wayne Gretzky got traded. People get traded all the time. It’s part of the game that you need to be aware of and right now I’m just worried about working hard here, being the best player I can be and helping these other guys to be at their best.”
You can see video of Laine’s availability below:
"I'm here, aren't I? That's the only thing I'm worried about right now. I'm not in charge of what other people are saying."
Patrik Laine addresses the comments made by his agent saying that a trade from the Jets would be mutually beneficial for the player and team. pic.twitter.com/o9iPPBDQZL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 4, 2021
Laine is slated to start the 2021 season on a line with Kyle Connor and newcomer Paul Stastny. He put up 28 goals and 63 points in 68 games with the Jets last season. Laine has one year left on his $6.75 million deal and will be a restricted free agent after this season.
