Patrik Laine is known for being one of the best, pure snipers in the game of hockey.
Known for his lethal wrist shot that’s helped him 80 goals in his first 155 NHL games, including 44 last season, Laine was spotted at an informal skate without his beard that he shaved over the summer. But that’s not the only thing he shed since the Jets were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Speaking with Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press, Laine explained how he shaved off 14 pounds over the summer by making a simple, yet effective change in his diet.
"I didn’t eat any s—t food," he said. "Not a lot of candy, not a lot of sugars."
He could’ve easily said junk food, but why not get the point across with a cuss word?
Laine isn’t a slow skater by any means, but his motor isn’t what’s going to bring home the bread.
"I tried to get quicker, more speed, tried to lose some weight so I can get faster. It feels pretty good, Laine told reporters that were in attendance to watch the majority of the Jets roster.
Being one of the more talented players in the game, Laine focused more on building up his speed and agility, rather than trying to bulk up like he did last summer.
If he could add an element of speed to his game, or at least be half a step quicker, that could make all the difference in the world.
While the beard and junk food are now out of the equation, scoring 50 goals isn’t whatsoever, as only Alex Ovechkin scored more goals last season with 49. If he explodes for another monster goal total, the Jets could be on the hook for a contract extension that could fetch into the $10 million range per season.
"If I see myself improving that’s gonna be enough for me. I just want to be a better player and help my team win more. If I can do that I’ll be happy," said Laine. "When the team plays well and you do the small things that need to be done for your team, you’re going to get rewarded at some point. That’s just the main focus, and the goals will come if I work hard."
