The Story Behind the 2016 NHL Draft’s No. 2 Overall Pick
The Hockey Resource Operations AI™ presents: NHL Draft Career Files™
When the 2016 NHL Draft arrived in Buffalo, the debate wasn’t simply who would be selected first.
It was whether Patrik Laine might actually deserve to be.
After a spectacular season in Finland and a dominant performance at the World Championship, many NHL scouts believed Laine possessed the most dangerous shot available in the draft. Some evaluators even argued he should be chosen ahead of Auston Matthews.
While Matthews ultimately became the first overall selection, the Winnipeg Jets happily selected Laine with the second pick, adding one of the most naturally gifted goal scorers of his generation.
Draft Profile
Draft Year: 2016
Overall Selection: 2nd
Drafted By: Winnipeg Jets
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’4″
Birthplace: Tampere, Finland
Early Expectations
Few prospects entered the NHL with as much offensive hype.
Laine wasn’t projected to become merely a good NHL player.
He was projected to become an elite goal scorer.
His release was considered NHL-ready before he ever played an NHL game.
Scouts compared his shooting ability to some of the league’s greatest finishers, and his size, confidence, and power made him an immediate offensive threat.
Immediate NHL Success
Laine wasted no time proving he belonged.
In his rookie season, he scored 36 goals in 73 games, immediately establishing himself among the NHL’s elite young scorers.
One season later, he reached another level.
2017–18 Season
- 82 Games
- 44 Goals
- 70 Points
By age 19, Laine had already become one of hockey’s premier finishers and one of the NHL’s most dangerous power-play weapons.
One of Hockey’s Best Shooters
Every generation seems to produce a handful of players whose shot alone changes games.
Patrik Laine belongs in that conversation.
His release is remarkably quick.
His one-timer is among the hardest in the NHL.
Goaltenders know exactly what’s coming.
Stopping it is another matter.
His ability to score from distance forces penalty killers to respect him every time he steps onto the ice.
Career Challenges
Professional hockey careers are rarely straight lines.
After his explosive start in Winnipeg, Laine experienced injuries, coaching changes, trades, and inconsistency.
His career included stops with:
- Winnipeg Jets
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Montreal Canadiens
Each organization saw flashes of the player capable of taking over games with a single shot.
Showing Courage Beyond Hockey
One of the most admirable chapters of Laine’s career has nothing to do with goals.
He has spoken publicly about his mental health journey and the importance of seeking help when needed. He also co-founded an online support initiative to encourage others to share experiences and support one another.
For young athletes, that willingness to be open demonstrates a different kind of strength.
Great players aren’t defined only by success on the ice.
They are also defined by how they respond to adversity.
Lessons for Young Players
Patrik Laine’s career offers valuable lessons for every young hockey player.
Talent Creates Opportunity
Elite ability opened the NHL door.
Hard Work Never Stops
Every season brings new adjustments.
Adversity Is Part of Every Career
Injuries and setbacks happen to even the most gifted players.
Character Matters
Seeking help when life becomes difficult is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Career Snapshot
Draft Year: 2016
Draft Position: 2nd Overall
NHL Teams
- Winnipeg Jets
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Montreal Canadiens
Career Highlights
- 44-goal NHL season
- Multiple NHL hat tricks
- One of the NHL’s premier power-play shooters
- More than 220 career NHL goals and more than 420 career points through the 2025–26 season.
Final Thoughts
Patrik Laine’s career reminds us that greatness is measured by far more than statistics.
He entered the NHL with extraordinary expectations and quickly proved he possessed one of hockey’s most dangerous shots. Along the way, he has faced challenges that many fans never see, yet he has continued to pursue his career while speaking openly about resilience and mental health.
Whether remembered for his blistering one-timers, spectacular goal-scoring ability, or his openness beyond the rink, Laine’s story is one of exceptional talent combined with perseverance.
That is why he remains one of the defining players from the 2016 NHL Draft.
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Mark Hetherman
Executive Director
The Hockey Resource
mark@thehockeyresource.com
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