Laine waiting on contract because of dressing room discord?

The summer has been slow when it comes to some NHL restricted free agents. While fans in Winnipeg are getting worried about the fact that Patrik Laine is no closer to signing an extension with the Jets, Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun is quick to remind them that Laine isn’t the only RFA star still without a new contract. The notables include Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen, Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point, Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk, and Vancouver’s Brock Boeser.

And in a way, Billeck believes the Jets are used to this kind of game and therefore more prepared for it than any other team. 

“In Winnipeg, it’s been seen with Jacob Trouba — albeit under some extraneous circumstances — but also with Josh Morrissey, last summer, who missed part of training camp before he signed a bridge deal,” Billick writes. 

However, Lyle Richardson of Spectors Hockey took the time to ponder if Laine has been affected by some discord in the Jets dressing room last season. 

“Winnipeg’s small-market status, Evander Kane’s tumultuous departure several years ago, and Jacob Trouba’s trade request three years ago also factor into the Laine conjecture.”

While he isn’t worried about the Jets re-signing with the Jets, we are now starting to wonder if Laine will seek a short term deal in order to eventually get out of Winnipeg if he remains unhappy over his role with the Jets. 

Both sides have a lot to consider regarding their contract negotiations…