Long season takes a toll on young superstar

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This article was published 07/04/2017 (3162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Patrik Laine has performed superhuman feats on the ice, but the Jets’ rookie right-winger admitted Friday he’s mortal after all and has been feeling the wear and tear of a long NHL season.

“The pace is just so much higher and, of course, we’re playing almost every second day,” said Winnipeg’s sensational Finn, who turns 19 on April 19. “So it’s tough and all the travelling and switching time zones, that’s something I’m (wasn’t) used to. Right now, I’m pretty tired. One more game tomorrow, and, hopefully, I’m gonna get a break after that.”

Laine, who was named MVP of last spring’s world championship and also played for Finland at last fall’s World Cup, was non-committal about playing for his country at the worlds next month in Paris and Cologne.

“I don’t know yet,” said Laine, who missed eight games at mid-season while recovering from a concussion. “There’s a lot of things I have to think about. I might go. I might not go.”

Jets head coach Paul Maurice would be just as happy if Laine takes an extended break.

“I think he’s played enough hockey for two men over the last year and a half,” Maurice said.

Big year for Ehlers

Jets left-winger Nikolaj Ehlers’ sophomore season has exceeded most expectations. He has 25 goals and 64 points and will be one of only four Winnipeg players to play in all 82 regular-season games.

“I think I’ve taken a big step in every thing,” Ehlers said. “The biggest step I’ve taken, and I haven’t really shown the last couple of games, is defensively. I feel like I’ve taken a big step and I’ve just tried to work on all the small details that Paul, the coaching staff, the players have told me about and helped me a bit.”

Ehlers will be available to play for Denmark at the upcoming world championship, an unintended benefit of missing the NHL post-season.

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“I love going,” Ehlers said. “I love playing for the Danish national team. Putting that jersey on gives you a special feeling, being able to represent your country, so I love going… It’s a super-exciting tournament. Next year it’s in Denmark. Hopefully, I can’t go next year, but it’s always exciting to go back home and represent your country.”

Trouba to Europe?

Blue-liner Jacob Trouba is wrapping up the most-successful season of his career, but will he cap it with an appearance at the worlds for Team USA?

“I don’t know yet,” Trouba said. “I’ve got a call, but I have to make a decision on that. Hopefully, in the next couple of days. See how some things heal up, I guess. We’ll see if I’ll be good to go by then. (There’s) an injury that has to heal before I feel comfortable playing.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sawa14