Patrik Laine Bio
Patrik Laine is a Finnish professional ice hockey right winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL entry draft. Laine has also previously played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and is known for his powerful shot and scoring ability. Laine’s career has been marked by significant achievements and a strong presence in international play, making him one of the notable figures in modern hockey.
Early Life and Background
Patrik Laine was born on 19 April 1998 in Tampere, Finland. He began playing hockey at the age of four, initially as a goaltender. However, following his father’s advice, he switched to playing as a forward. At the age of 16, Laine made a pivotal decision to leave school and focus entirely on his hockey career, demonstrating his commitment to the sport from a young age.
Path to Hockey
Laine’s early hockey career began with local teams, including Ilves and later Tappara, where he made his Liiga debut at 16 during the 2014-15 season. His performance in the 2015-16 season was particularly impressive, as he scored 17 goals and 16 assists in 46 games. His strong showing at the IIHF World U18 Championships, where he scored eight goals in seven games, significantly boosted his draft stock, leading to his selection as the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft by the Winnipeg Jets.
Patrik Laine Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Laine’s professional career began in 2014 when he debuted in Liiga. His breakout season came in 2015-16 with Tappara, where he not only excelled in the regular season but also led his team to the Liiga championship, earning the Jari Kurri Trophy as playoff MVP. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL draft.
Breakthrough (2016–2021)
Laine made an immediate impact in the NHL, scoring a goal and an assist in his debut game on 13 October 2016. He quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, recording multiple hat-tricks in his rookie season. Notably, Laine became the youngest player born outside North America to score a hat-trick in NHL history. His remarkable scoring ability continued into his second season, where he ranked second in the league for goals scored.
Notable Works and Milestones
Patrik Laine’s signature work includes his record-setting performances in the NHL, particularly his ability to score multiple hat-tricks and his achievement of scoring over 80 goals by the age of 20. His accolades include being named to the NHL All-Star Game and setting various franchise records with the Winnipeg Jets.
Patrik Laine Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Patrik Laine has received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances in the NHL, showcasing his talent and impact on the ice.
Patrik Laine Awards Won
Laine has also won several awards, including the Jari Kurri Trophy as playoff MVP during his time in Liiga, highlighting his significant contributions to his teams.
Patrik Laine Family
Patrik Laine is married to Jordan Smith. The couple tied the knot on 28 June 2025 at The Breakers luxury resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
Personal Life
In addition to his hockey career, Laine has shown a commitment to mental health awareness, co-founding an online support group called “From Us to You”. He enjoys playing video games in his spare time, with Fortnite being a personal favorite. Laine has expressed admiration for the Washington Capitals, particularly for star forward Alexander Ovechkin.
