What if Winnipeg drafts Puljujarvi instead of Laine?

[CascadeFilly]

For what it's worth, I remember Chevy saying that he and the scouts had seen Puljujarvi quite a bit compared to Laine, and that they'd get more of a look at Laine at the Worlds. Not sure if that's just due to opportunity, for some reason, or what. It's possible that they've really liked Puljujarvi for a while now, though. Who knows!

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It's certainly possible Winnipeg take Pulju. I don't think it would change Laine's value too much as I think he's the kind of player who can drive the offense on his own. Doesn't necessarily need to rely on a center to feed him constantly.

It would certainly help, with that one-timer of his. I know he's got a great wrister, but if he can line up with someone who can feed him great passes, it'll obviously open up a tonne of opportunities.

[Mr. Guru]

Laine is certainly making a case for himself to be drafted number 2.
7 points in 4 WC games.

[Axeman33]

For what it's worth, I remember Chevy saying that he and the scouts had seen Puljujarvi quite a bit compared to Laine, and that they'd get more of a look at Laine at the Worlds. Not sure if that's just due to opportunity, for some reason, or what. It's possible that they've really liked Puljujarvi for a while now, though. Who knows!

That's what has prompted me to ask the question. It seems that most around here seem to have already assumed that the Jets will just walk up and say Laine's name on draft day, and they very well could, but something has me thinking that this isn't the slam dunk that folks around here seem to assume it will be.

If it is Puljujarvi who gets the call at #2, does he now become the darling because of all the weapons around him in Winnipeg or will folks still assume that Laine is the second best player in this years draft even if he goes to CBJ?

An interesting thought and worth of discussing IMO.

[Zorro]

The Jets already have the skaters, they need a finisher.. I would be shocked if the Jets picked anybody but P.Laine.. That's no slight on Puljujarvi, because he is projected to be great aswell!!

[Goldendelicious]

I won't be surprised if it Pul they take. Remember, this is an NHL team here making the pick...not a fantasy hockey team. Jets absolutely could covet the 2-way play moreso than a pure sniper.

Laine is the slightly better option in fantasy (Pul is no slouch himself) but Pul is a more responsible 2-way player.

[Big Baby]

I won't be surprised if it Pul they take. Remember, this is an NHL team here making the pick...not a fantasy hockey team. Jets absolutely could covet the 2-way play moreso than a pure sniper.

Laine is the slightly better option in fantasy (Pul is no slouch himself) but Pul is a more responsible 2-way player.

You make a great point but my fear would be, the fan base in WPG reaction to the team taking Pul. They read all the same stories and watch all the same news casts as we are and with comparisons to ovechkin being thrown out there for Laine, I can't see a fan base understanding the value of a two way player vs a "generational" goal scorer.

If Chev drafts Pul at 2, it may be a strike against him going forward. Especially if Laine scores 30-35 his first year.

[2014olympicgold]

With who the Jets have at Center (Little, Scheifele, Perrault can play) I’d be a little surprised if they took Puuj. But, it would be telling of the extent of Little’s injury and progression if they took him at 2.

For the teams sakes, I think it should be Matthews, Laine, Puuj. CBJ get a top center after trading theirs, Jets get that guy who can take control of a game by himself, and be a top winger, Toronto gets the center they’ve been longing for since Sundin.

[Axeman33]

Aren't Puljujarvi and Laine both wingers?

[2014olympicgold]

Aren't Puljujarvi and Laine both wingers?

I was always under the impression hat Puljujarvi was a center, but elite prospects has him as a RW. So now I have no idea.

Funny enough I didn’t realize he was born in Sweden either.

[ericdaoust]

What if all three slip to the second round?

[Goldendelicious]

With who the Jets have at Center (Little, Scheifele, Perrault can play) I’d be a little surprised if they took Puuj. But, it would be telling of the extent of Little’s injury and progression if they took him at 2.

For the teams sakes, I think it should be Matthews, Laine, Puuj. CBJ get a top center after trading theirs, Jets get that guy who can take control of a game by himself, and be a top winger, Toronto gets the center they’ve been longing for since Sundin.

Laine and Puljujarvi are both wingers

[Zorro]

What if all three slip to the second round?

Interesting, the draft would go in reverse..

[CascadeFilly]

You make a great point but my fear would be, the fan base in WPG reaction to the team taking Pul. They read all the same stories and watch all the same news casts as we are and with comparisons to ovechkin being thrown out there for Laine, I can't see a fan base understanding the value of a two way player vs a "generational" goal scorer.

If Chev drafts Pul at 2, it may be a strike against him going forward. Especially if Laine scores 30-35 his first year.

I don't think Chevy's overly concerned about public perception. Many people figured he should have drafted Couturier over Scheifele, and that stuck for at least a couple years, especially when Couturier was playing in the NHL, and Scheifele wasn't ready. They'll draft the guy they like best.

I agree with Zorro, though, they need a finisher. They generate a lot of chances with their speed and skill, but they fail to score as much as they should. Laine would look amazing playing in WPG's top 6.

[2014olympicgold]

Laine and Puljujarvi are both wingers

Am I wrong in thinking that Puljujarvi played center at the World Juniors? Could have just been out of need tho and he’s a natural RW.

[Goldendelicious]

Am I wrong in thinking that Puljujarvi played center at the World Juniors? Could have just been out of need tho and he’s a natural RW.

I'm pretty sure Aho centred them. Laine I think was primarily playing the left side and Puljujarvi on the right side.