Laine seems prepared that he may not play in Winnipeg next season … Connor wants long-term from the Jets
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: Patrik Laine on playing for the Winnipeg Jets:
“Well I’ve got nothing bad to say about Winnipeg, you know? It’s been good so far. But you never know, so that’s kind of my comments.”
Laine has been working on his skating in Turku, and has been on the ice with fellow RFA Mikko Rantanen. The two have talked about their RFA situations for the past couple months.
Laine is wondering when things will pick up, but isn’t really stressed about it now. He’ll remain in Europe until he has a contract signed.
“I’m not stressed. I’m not worrying about that at all,” said Laine. “I know that I’ve done my job as well as I can over these three years, so I know I’m going to play somewhere next year. So that’s something I’m not thinking about too much.
“Hopefully we get it done in the next couple months and be ready when the puck drops.”
Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets other restricted free agent Kyle Connor said last week that he’d prefer a long-term deal with the Jets. Connor is okay with things leaking into training camp if he can’t get the right deal before.
The Jets have about $17.6 million salary cap space with 17 roster players.
Not having Laine and Connor signed has made it tricky for them to add depth to their blue line.
Sean Reynolds of Sportsnet: Contract talks between the Winnipeg Jets and Patrik Laine appear to have been nonexistent so far this offseason. We’re Laine’s comments to Chris Johnston an attempt to get talks going?
It’s not known if Laine’s camp has spoken with other teams this offseason. Laine’s comments suggest that he is “prepared, if not open” to playing somewhere other than Winnipeg.