Winnipeg Jets sniper Patrik Laine has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Like there was any doubt.
Laine is tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs' Austen Matthews for the NHL rookie goal-scoring lead with 21. Although Laine has more points presently and accumulated his goals in fewer games played-including two hat-tricks-Matthews is the favourite (so far) for the Calder trophy for the NHL's Rookie of the Year.
I guess that's what happens when you play in the centre of the universe. Then again, it took Teemu Selanne and his undeniable 76 goals as a rookie in 1993 to have the NHL take notice of anything Winnipeg. Nothing's changed.
Laine's team-mates are obviously not shocked by his inclusion. Why Scheifele and/or Ehlers weren't included is also pretty "mysterious."
Hopefully the Finnish phenom will be free of any concussion symptoms for the game on Jan. 29.
