ANAHEIM, Calif. -- When the Anaheim Ducks face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night at Honda Center, one of the NHL's best rookies will become the latest obstacle in the hosts' quest to defend their Pacific Division championship.
Finnish right winger Patrik Laine, the second overall selection in last year's draft, shares first place among rookies in goals, assists and points with the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, the draft's top choice. Both have 27 goals, 33 assists and 60 points.
Center Mark Scheifele and right winger Blake Wheeler have higher point totals than Laine, despite the fact that the 19-year-old Finn leads the Jets in goals.