Jets sniper Laine mum on future in Winnipeg

Patrik Laine was given every opportunity to clarify his standing with the Winnipeg Jets.

After the star sniper’s agents suggested publicly in the fall it might best for both parties if he was traded, the questions about his future in the Manitoba capital came in rapid-fire succession Monday.

Laine sat at the podium and answered each one. What he didn’t offer was a straight answer, instead ducking and dodging like a player of his ilk seeking out a prime scoring chance.

“Well, I’m here aren’t I?” Laine began following the Jets’ first on-ice sessions at training camp. “That’s the only thing I’m worried about right now. I’m not in charge of what other people are saying. I don’t worry about that stuff. Even Wayne Gretzky got traded. I’m just worried about working hard here, being the best player I can be, and helping these other guys be at their best.”

But was he aware his representatives were going to make those comments?

“I don’t pay attention to that stuff,” said the 22-year-old Finnish winger. “That’s just one of those things. I’m just worried about this moment.”

The next reporter on the video conference call took another shot, asking why his agents indicated it would be “better” for him to leave Winnipeg?

“I didn’t say it,” Laine responded. “I’m just here. I just want to play. I’m just worried about working hard, doing my job, which is trying to be the best player I can be. And I’m not worried about all the talk and all the speculation.”

While the way he went about answering speaks volumes compared to the words themselves, Laine is undoubtedly a special talent.

He scored a combined 80 times over his first two NHL seasons — two shy of league leader Alex Ovechkin — but took a step back in 2018-19 with just 50 points.

Laine made subsequent comments about his linemates, role and deployment, which led to rumblings he might want to follow the likes of Evander Kane, a young player who previously forced his way off the Jets’ roster, out the door.