Patrik Laine knew what he was capable of going into this year’s world championship.
Now the rest of the hockey world has a pretty good understanding, too.
The 18-year-old Finnish winger was awarded tournament MVP honours following Team Finland’s 2-0 loss to Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday. The feat is made all the more impressive when you consider the number of established NHLers in the mix.
Laine collected seven goals in 10 games, which tied him with Sweden’s Gustav Nyquist for the tournament lead in that category. He also had five assists.
While American Auston Matthews — who also had an impressive showing at the worlds with six goals and three assists in 10 games — remains the presumptive No. 1 overall pick at next month’s NHL draft, Laine has certainly created some buzz too.
The Winnipeg Jets must be feeling pretty good about picking No. 2 overall.