Patrik Laine Selected for 2017 All-Star Game

The rosters for the 2017 All-Star Game in Los Angeles have been announced, where the Jets will be represented — health permitting — by Finnish rookie Patrik Laine.

But since Laine was officially diagnosed with a concussion just days ago, there is a strong possibility that the Jets will be sending another representative in his place. That could mean a trip to LA for Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg’s four-time all-star; captain Blake Wheeler; Mark Scheifele, the Jets’ number one centre; or Nikolaj Ehlers, the electric young Dane.

Even if Laine is unable to attend All-Star weekend, it’s a significant accomplishment for the Jets’ rookie. It speaks to how highly-regarded he is around the NHL already — and, as reported by Chris Johnston, it triggers a $212,500 bonus clause in his contract. Not bad.

Laine has defied even the highest expectations for his rookie season, with 21 goals and 16 assists in 42 games. And while the Jets were often out-chanced with Laine on the ice in September, he has been mostly positive on the shot clock in recent months.

Whether Laine goes to Los Angeles or another Jet takes his place, they will be competing on a Central Division team with PK Subban, Devan Dubnyk, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Tyler Seguin, among others. 

All-Star weekend runs January 27th to 29th in Los Angeles, and the rest of the NHL All-Star Game rosters can be found here.