Jets' Patrik Laine Sets Franchise Rookie Goal Record

Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine tallied two goals in Tuesday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, setting the franchise record for most goals as a rookie, per Sportsnet Stats. Ilya Kovalchuk previously held the record of 29 from when the club was the Atlanta Thrashers in his rookie 2001-02 season.

Laine also became just the ninth player in NHL history to total 30 goals before turning 19 years old, per Sportsnet Stats. Laine, who turns 19 on April 19, sits behind just superstar Sidney Crosby (33) for the league lead in that category, but his 24 assists don't measure up to Crosby's 33 thus far.

The youngster squared off with fellow rookie star Auston Matthews for the second time this season Tuesday. He has notched five goals on seven shots between the two contests. Matthews hasn't lit the lamp in the two matchups but did dish out four assists and recorded eight shots on goal.

The two have clearly separated themselves as the leaders in the race for the Rookie of the Year. Laine's offensive stats have slightly outpaced Matthews' so far, but the Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall pick is generally regarded as a better all-around player than the one selected right after him.

Regardless of the outcome of that race, Winnipeg should be pleased with Laine's early results. A year after finishing with the second-worst record in the NHL, the Jets now sit just two points out of a playoff spot with 19 games remaining.

All this marks a step in the right direction for the franchise. Laine's presence up front—along with a couple other young contributors like Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers—puts the club in good position for years to come.