In the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs had the opportunity to snag Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine with the second overall pick. But as history tells it, Toronto selected American center Auston Matthews instead. Both players have been sensational since entering the league, as Matthews is about to lead the Buds to their second consecutive postseason appearance while Laine is gearing up for his first. Before they dive into April hockey, the Jets hit the road for an all-Canadian matchup where fans got a glimpse as to why it’s probably a good thing the Leafs passed on the Finn.
Ahead of tonight’s contest, Laine revealed he was not pleased that a large scrum of Toronto media were waiting to talk to him. As he walked away, one of his teammates reminded him that he could have had to deal with it every day.
It’s not like Laine isn’t forced to meet with large media scrums in Winnipeg, but it’s clearly not to the same degree as Toronto. Maybe Matthews not having to speak today played a role in so many media members wanting to approach Winnipeg’s 40-goal scorer.
It’s worth noting that both players have held their own so far with the media. Matthews has done all the right things while Laine has provided some golden moments of his own in the Jets’ locker room.
Tonight’s game at the ACC is sure to be a good one, and the only potential all-Canadian Stanley Cup preview hockey fans will get in the final stretch of the season. Regardless of what happens, each players is bound to face a ton of microphones following tonight's game. Lucky for Laine, this could be his last game in Toronto until next fall.
(H/T Kriston Shilton)
