LW Patrik Laine - Tappara, Liiga (2016 Draft) IX

[Periwinkle]

The Finn in me is yelling inside for him to tone it down, but at the same time, Finnish hockey was in a stall for over a decade because of "we'll do our best and see where it takes us" -mentality, and we should embrace the can-do attitude of the young generation, seeing that the tide seems to be changing. Of course that doesn't excuse being a jerk, but Laine hasn't quite crossed that line yet imo.

While it would have been cool to see a Finnish #1 NHL overall (to cement the beginning of the "go for the best and don't look back" era), it seems like Matthews to Toronto is a given. I'm not going to make any predictions what kind of a career Laine will have - he has great talent, but a lot of work ahead of him as well. It seems being chosen by Winnipeg, if that happens, might just work for the best for Laine - if he wants to be best, it seems a better fit is an organisation that didn't tank, with a great young core, than one where the main goal of the front office and fans was to be the worst in order to gain possible future rewards. I'm not sure that kind of stink of (deliberate) failure is easy to shake in an organisation culture.

 

[Lempo]

The Finn in me is yelling inside for him to tone it down, but at the same time, Finnish hockey was in a stall for over a decade because of "we'll do our best and see where it takes us" -mentality, and we should embrace the can-do attitude of the young generation, seeing that the tide seems to be changing. Of course that doesn't excuse being a jerk, but Laine hasn't quite crossed that line yet imo.

I tremendously like the outspoken acknowledgement that he explicitly aspires to not be the guy who everyone likes in the dressing room for being a jolly good sport but to be the guy who everyone in the team knows can win the game for them when it's do or die. There was some quote to that extent going around recently I think concerning Laine in Tappara.

As a Finn it titillates me when a sportser comes and downright says to my face: "Yes, I kind of am a jerk a bit. Now, will you be there shouting my name when the time is to go to the market square?"

Looking to my own heart I think my answer to that must be:
"..."
"...yes."
"Perkele, yes!"

 

[kelsier]

The Finn in me is yelling inside for him to tone it down, but at the same time, Finnish hockey was in a stall for over a decade because of "we'll do our best and see where it takes us" -mentality, and we should embrace the can-do attitude of the young generation, seeing that the tide seems to be changing. Of course that doesn't excuse being a jerk, but Laine hasn't quite crossed that line yet imo.

While it would have been cool to see a Finnish #1 NHL overall (to cement the beginning of the "go for the best and don't look back" era), it seems like Matthews to Toronto is a given. I'm not going to make any predictions what kind of a career Laine will have - he has great talent, but a lot of work ahead of him as well. It seems being chosen by Winnipeg, if that happens, might just work for the best for Laine - if he wants to be best, it seems a better fit is an organisation that didn't tank, with a great young core, than one where the main goal of the front office and fans was to be the worst in order to gain possible future rewards. I'm not sure that kind of stink of (deliberate) failure is easy to shake in an organisation culture.

Those are pretty much my thoughts as well. At first I thought it'd be absolutely great to see a Finnish kid going first in the NHL draft. Now that we've seen the reaction by the fanbase of the team currently holding that pick I'd MUCH rather have him to go second to a franchise filled with fans that actually value his talents (instead of being that "shot only" guy). Also the base of the Jets is looking far better than the Leafs so it would be a lot easier for him to make the transition there than in Toronto. Like I said before, where you get picked doesn't have a thing to do with the career you'll carve out. If you look at 2013 f.ex. in a re-draft Barkov would be first one called up in the podium. Things happen and they can happen pretty fast. If or when Laine proves to be the best player of this draft year I'd guess the NHL teams will start looking at FEL in a pretty different light than before.

 

[CorgisPer60]

Honestly, we know how good he is now, and it's exciting to see what he can reach. If his swagger equally fuels and drives him, we will have a really exciting player on our hands. I hope he reaches those heights that he aspires to, and that's me speaking as a hockey fan first, Jets fan second.

 

[ijuka]

At 4:50-4:55 in this video, a loose puck along the boards becomes airbourne and Laine bounces it twice with his stick to gain the apparent control of the puck. After that, Laine is alone in the middle of 5 Kärpät players and while one of them dives to knock the puck away before Laine can control it, he was pretty close to making a pass to Peltola for a grade S scoring chance as every single member of team Kärpät was surrounding him.





I also am loving everyone's comments especially at r/hockey. Laine has said that he wants to be the best player in the world for a long time. How could he accomplish that if he didn't eventually become better than Ovechkin?

 

[Gabranth]

I'm a Laine fan (and a finn) but I think he needs to be more humble. I bet his agent or someone told him to say this stuff to raise his "mental stock" in the draft but he's starting to look like an idiot.

What can you do when you're the best.

He is just keeping it real.

 

[93LEAFS]

And who did he exactly offend with that statement? Well well, only one fan base crosses my mind, thus we now have page after page of non-sense discussion about regarding Laine's maturity level.

If the kid believes and wants to be as good as Ovechkin in five years, what an earth is wrong about that? There are numerous examples of previous top prospects who've made similar comments so that's nothing new. Certain people are absorbing in everything and looking for flaws from all the wrong places instead of focusing on more meaningful matters. To set yourself up for goals can only be a good thing, to prove that your driven enough to pursue those goals is a healthy foundation for any young player who wants to leave their mark for the future generations. So far, haven't seen anything opposite in regards to Laine. He's a work horse and thrives with the work and natural talent that cannot be taught.

I can only feel sad for the people who are grasping at straws or finding any means possible to discredit one single hockey talent without any sensible cause.

Again, this was set off by this comment, not a Leafs fan, but I guess being objective isn't some peoples thing around here. Its just black and white (either a Laine fan or a hater). I actually brought up what he said, and said it wasn't that bad, just that he had a bit of an ego and expressed it, which isn't uncommon among high-end athletes. But I guess the idea of a middle ground doesn't exist around here.

This kid has some serious character issues.

Hopefully the guy clues in considering how elite of a talent he really is.

See the most recent thing he said about austin?

 

[kelsier]

Again, this was set off by this comment, not a Leafs fan, but I guess being objective isn't some peoples thing around here. Its just black and white (either a Laine fan or a hater). I actually brought up what he said, and said it wasn't that bad, just that he had a bit of an ego and expressed it, which isn't uncommon among high-end athletes. But I guess the idea of a middle ground doesn't exist around here.

Don't you find it odd, for all the unnecessary dirt thrown on this kid for no better reason than being highly self-aware and open to talk about his ambitions and dreams?

Guess it didn't matter who started it, but the Leafs jumped on it like a hound of dogs. The whole thread has derailed like a lost train. I'd rather just talk about Laine as a player rather than having to see people trying to cool down forest fires half of the time.

 

[Finnpin]

192.5cm according to the combine.



What did he say?

I count it as 193cm

 

[Future]

This thread has turned full on bat**** insane. I've never seen anything like this.

 

[Channelcat]

Don't you find it odd, for all the unnecessary dirt thrown on this kid for no better reason than being highly self-aware and open to talk about his ambitions and dreams?

Guess it didn't matter who started it, but the Leafs jumped on it like a hound of dogs. The whole thread has derailed like a lost train. I'd rather just talk about Laine as a player rather than having to see people trying to cool down forest fires half of the time.

Its been my experience that people who are self aware rarely talk about themselves. Also Laine has been the subject of critics for quite some time now, not just the past week. My concerns are not limited to mental and emotional issues, its also the game he plays. You never see that wide turning skating style in the NHL anymore....just doesnt work on the small ice at an NHL pace. You also dont get that space in the high circle where he seems to score from. His game will need to be far quicker before he has an impact in the NHL.

That being said , I think he might still be a good pick at #2 based on his talents, I'm just not going to pick and choose what I observe in a player.

 

[FinPanda]

I think he is the most hated player on these boards at the moment.

 

[LeafFever]

It's best he goes to Winnipeg. The Toronto media will eat Laine alive. Matthews is looking so much more mature. I get it he's "Dull", but that's not a bad thing.
Yes, the NHL needs more guys with personality, but Laine is being annoying more than anything. His entire routine is how great he is. He's not offering anything else.
Ironically with these comments, Laine is doing everything he can to not be picked #1. There's no way Shanahan/Lou/Hunter can be impressed with his shtick.

 

[The Norris Division]

The Finn in me is yelling inside for him to tone it down, but at the same time, Finnish hockey was in a stall for over a decade because of "we'll do our best and see where it takes us" -mentality, and we should embrace the can-do attitude of the young generation, seeing that the tide seems to be changing. Of course that doesn't excuse being a jerk, but Laine hasn't quite crossed that line yet imo.

While it would have been cool to see a Finnish #1 NHL overall (to cement the beginning of the "go for the best and don't look back" era), it seems like Matthews to Toronto is a given. I'm not going to make any predictions what kind of a career Laine will have - he has great talent, but a lot of work ahead of him as well. It seems being chosen by Winnipeg, if that happens, might just work for the best for Laine - if he wants to be best, it seems a better fit is an organisation that didn't tank, with a great young core, than one where the main goal of the front office and fans was to be the worst in order to gain possible future rewards. I'm not sure that kind of stink of (deliberate) failure is easy to shake in an organisation culture.

Leafs will take Matthews because he is a center and they haven't had an elite center for decades unless you count Sundin. In my mind Laine will be the best drafted player since Crosby. Laine is a beast.

 

[Future]

I think he is the most hated player on these boards at the moment.

How did you come to that conclusion? No one has been hating on Laine at all. Just the Finnish homers that are saying insane things. Probably don't even watch NHL hockey but claim he is better than Ovechkin was. I wish you could realize how crazy of a statement that is. Ovie when he came into the league was one of the most dominant and exciting players I've ever seen. His game was tailor made for the NHL as well because he was extremely fast and physical. He was a player that didn't need time and space as he could create his own.

In addition, even prospects in the NBA and NFL drafts (who are a lot more outspoken and confident) don't even say the kind of things that Laine is saying right now, so it should be understandable why it's raising some eyebrows.

You guys really see what you want to see I guess.

 

[LeafFever]

Leafs will take Matthews because he is a center and they haven't had an elite center for decades unless you count Sundin. In my mind Laine will be the best drafted player since Crosby. Laine is a beast.

Sundin without a doubt was elite and a true #1 centre. Hell, even at 37 in his last season in Toronto he was one of th NHls best.
Laine is better than McDavid? Seriously?

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Leafs will take Matthews because he is a center and they haven't had an elite center for decades unless you count Sundin. In my mind Laine will be the best drafted player since Crosby. Laine is a beast.

More so than McDavid? See, this is why the Laine hype doesn't pass the smell test. A very talented goal scorer to be sure, but the expectations need to be tempered a bit. Again, if Laine was this generational talent that he's being made out to be by *some* than things like position wouldn't really matter.

 

[FinPanda]

How did you come to that conclusion? No one has been hating on Laine at all. Just the Finnish homers that are saying insane things. Probably don't even watch NHL hockey but claim he is better than Ovechkin was. I wish you could realize how crazy of a statement that is. Ovie when he came into the league was one of the most dominant and exciting players I've ever seen. His game was tailor made for the NHL as well because he was extremely fast and physical. He was a player that didn't need time and space as he could create his own.

In addition, even prospects in the NBA and NFL drafts (who are a lot more outspoken and confident) don't even say the kind of things that Laine is saying right now, so it should be understandable why it's raising some eyebrows.

You guys really see what you want to see I guess.

Why you tell me things I already know? I don't agree with those who has said he will be better than Ovechkin. I've said that he won't be that good and I expet him to struggle at first when he enters the league. You can't say to me that I don't realize how good Ovechkin is and I know he is the best goal scorer in the NHL and I think there won't be anyone like him. Annoying to talk me like I don't know. I am Finnish so you think I agree with others..

And what exactly he has said wrong when he has said that he hopes to be as good as Ovechkin in five years? That doesn't mean he will but it's good to dream big.

 

[wc17]

More so than McDavid? See, this is why the Laine hype doesn't pass the smell test. A very talented goal scorer to be sure, but the expectations need to be tempered a bit. Again, if Laine was this generational talent that he's being made out to be by *some* than things like position wouldn't really matter.

The hype machine is strong with Laine. But only within his fan base (and Fins)...nobody else would ever come close to a statement like "Laine will be the best drafted player since Crosby" because it's crazy ridiculous considering the amazing prospects/players that have been drafted in the last 10 or so years.

 

[Legion34]

Leafs will take Matthews because he is a center and they haven't had an elite center for decades unless you count Sundin. In my mind Laine will be the best drafted player since Crosby. Laine is a beast.

Kane? Mcdavid? Barkov even?

 

[ijuka]

More so than McDavid? See, this is why the Laine hype doesn't pass the smell test. A very talented goal scorer to be sure, but the expectations need to be tempered a bit. Again, if Laine was this generational talent that he's being made out to be by *some* than things like position wouldn't really matter.

I think that Laine has the capability of surpassing McDavid in certain aspects. He already has some strengths over McDavid.

Laine's goal is being a better overall player than McDavid so I'll have faith in him.

 

[FinPanda]

I think that Laine has the capability of surpassing McDavid in certain aspects. He already has some strengths over McDavid.

Laine's goal is being a better overall player than McDavid so I'll have faith in him.

No. Maybe shot but McDavid is a lot better in everything else. They shouldn't be compared.

 

[93LEAFS]

I think that Laine has the capability of surpassing McDavid in certain aspects. He already has some strengths over McDavid.

Laine's goal is being a better overall player than McDavid so I'll have faith in him.

And McDavid, or Matthews and Eichel's goal isn't the same? Great logic.....

 

[Future]

Why you tell me things I already know? I don't agree with those who has said he will be better than Ovechkin. I've said that he won't be that good and I expet him to struggle at first when he enters the league. You can't say to me that I don't realize how good Ovechkin is and he is the best goal scorer in the NHL and I think there won't be anyone like him. Annoying to talk me like I don't know. I am Finnish so you think I agree with others..

And what exactly he has said wrong when he has said that he hopes to be as good as Ovechkin in five years? That doesn't mean he will but it's good to dream big.

You said that he was the most hated player on the boards. That's not true and it seems to be quite the opposite. Even Matthews gets more 'hate' than Laine. I don't mean to lump all Finnish posters into one group but a lot of you guys have been ridiculous.

It's not what he said is wrong. It's just that things like that aren't really said by prospects in any sport, especially hockey... He said he's going to reach Ovechkin's level within 5 years and thinks he can be the best player in the world. That's fine to think that, but to say that, especially to the media, is another thing entirely.

 

[ijuka]

No. Maybe shot but McDavid is better in everything else.

At this point in time, the shot / goal scoring and physical game. I'd also say hand-eye coordination in terms of intercepting and handling aerial pucks. McDavid is better at other things both offensively and defensively. But he outscored McDavid in WHC and his u-20s was better than both of McDavid's, for instance. It's not like it's a Mount Everest.

You said that he was the most hated player on the boards. That's not true and it seems to be quite the opposite. Even Matthews gets more 'hate' than Laine. I don't mean to lump all Finnish posters into one group but a lot of you guys have been ridiculous.

It's not what he said is wrong. It's just that things like that aren't really said by prospects in any sport, especially hockey... He said he's going to reach Ovechkin's level within 5 years and thinks he can be the best player in the world. That's fine to think that, but to say that, especially to the media, is another thing entirely.

Speaking of tv, the Patrik Laine stickhandling video was shown on tv and in it, he introduced himself as such: "Hi, my name is Patrik Laine and I want to be the best hockey player in the world."