Winnipeg Jets veteran centre Bryan Little admits real pressure — not just the perceived kind — comes with being the set-up man for goal scorer Patrik Laine.
So, too, does unabashed optimism.
Little, set to begin his 12th NHL season, has spent nearly all of training camp with the young Finn to his right and either Nikolaj Ehlers or Mathieu Perreault on the left wing. All signs now point to Perreault as the successful candidate when the Jets begin the 2018-19 season Thursday night in St. Louis against the Blues.
Laine ripped it up in his first two seasons, scoring 36 and 44 goals, respectively, with 50 not out of the realm of possibility for Year 3.