BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Winnipeg Jets opted for the sniper, claiming Finnish winger Patrik Laine with the second pick in tonight’s NHL entry draft at First Niagara Center.
Most project that the 18 year old will join the Jets’ group of top-six forwards after a wildly successful year on the world stage and in the Finnish league.
Winnipeg’s first choice tonight – it also has No. 22 in the first round – followed the first overall selection in the draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto picked centre Auston Matthews, as expected.
The Jets finished the 2015-16 season with only 78 points, which put them in line for the sixth pick in this draft.