The Winnipeg Jets have reportedly been shopping high scoring forward Patrik Laine, as this bizarre 2020 offseason is starting to heat up. Teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly in the mix, and the Islanders are also involved, but it is unknown how interested they are.

Patrik Laine is a player with incredible scoring ability and an accurate shot. The downside is that he is often criticized for laziness in his own zone and poor defensive play. The New York Islanders desperately need a top goal scorer to get over the hump in the playoffs but also need all of their players to buy into the defensive system. This situation is something Barry Trotz has dealt with before, as Laine is in a very similar situation as Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.

Ovechkin has been under the same scrutiny during his entire career, even though his career has been legendary and much longer than Laine’s. He had a bad attitude, was lazy on backchecks, and didn’t put much effort into the defensive aspect of the game. His team suffered due to this until his Capitals hired Barry Trotz in May 2014. When he came in and installed his defensive system, Ovechkin bought in.

In his first season under Trotz, 2014-15, he finished with a +10 after recording a -35 the previous year. This was a tremendous improvement from him on defense, and that wasn’t the only thing that improved that season. He also scored more goals and totaled more points. Ovechkin has had a plus rating in all but one season since Trotz took over and since left. His improved defensive play led to his Capitals finally winning a Stanley Cup under Trotz in 2017-18.

Laine has only had a minus rating once in his career, as in 2018-19, he had a -24 rating. Over the entirety of his young career, he has a combined plus-minus of -1. If Laine was traded to the Islanders it would be a huge addition for them, but Laine himself could also benefit. If we were to play with more of a purpose and a better attitude, including playing with more effort and a more intense backcheck, he could get the contract he deserves. Laine is in a contract year as he is set to be an RFA at the 2020-2021 season ends. It is already proven how much skill and talent Patrik Laine possess, but if Barry Trotz can help him become a complete player, it would be huge for the Islanders and his career.

The Islanders are a strong defensive team. Their biggest need, a high-level goal scorer could be filled in a trade with Winnipeg for Laine. He would be a perfect fit on the top line with playmaking catalyst Mathew Barzal. Barzal feeding Laine the puck could really set him up to continue his offensive success. If Patrik was to buy-in to the Islanders’ collective team game and defensive structure, he could take the next step to become a star in this league.

It is unlikely Laine becomes a New York Islander, but Lou Lamiorello always has some tricks up his sleeve. We now know Lou isn’t scared to make a big trade to improve the team, as he did acquire Jean-Gabriel Pageau in February. It would take a premium haul potentially including a top prospect, multiple picks including a first-round pick, and a current roster player to land him. Even though the odds are against the Islanders, we do know if he landed in New York, that he would be someone they have been desperately needing for years, and Patrik Laine would be the perfect player for Barry Trotz to work with.

John Smark