The trade rumours continue to swirl on Patrik Laine, despite the fact that he is at the Winnipeg Jets' training camp and appears willing to play with the team. According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Carolina Hurricanes are very interested in the young sniper, but not crazy on what the Jets want in return.
Pagnotta explains the asking price is defenceman Brett Pesce and forward Martin Necas (along with other pieces most likely). Pesce, a former second-round draft pick, has spent the last five seasons with the Hurricanes, racking up 102 points (20G, 82A) in 350 games. Necas played 64 games for Carolina last season, his first full season in the NHL. The former 12th overall selection scored 16 goals and added 20 assists. Not bad at all for the 21-year -old.
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Laine has hit the 30+ goal mark three times in his career and was on pace to hit that mark again last season when play was suspended in March. In 2017-18, he netted 44 goals. He is a very talented player but doesn't seem overly happy in Winnipeg. Asked about the trade rumours on the first day of training camp, Laine would only say "I'm here, aren't I?" adding that he's simply concentrating on the task at hand, which is playing for the Jets. He has, on several occasions, expressed his desire for more top-line minutes in Winnipeg.
