The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed restricted free agent forward Patrik Laine to a four-year contract worth $34.8 million, or $8.7 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2025-26 season,
4️⃣ more years of Patty! @RuoffMortgage | #CBJ https://t.co/nVDrczf4TB
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 22, 2022
Patrik Laine Signs New Contract
Over his six-year NHL career, Laine has played for the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets. He has put up 176 goals and 151 assists for 327 career points in 407 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, second overall of the 2016 NHL draft by the Winnipeg Jets. Laine was traded by the Jets in a package deal for Pierre-Luc Dubois. His one-year, 7.5 million dollar deal expired at the conclusion of this season. Despite battling injuries and missing the end of the season, Laine was still able to have a productive year. In 56 games played, he scored 26 goals and recorded 56 points.
What He Brings to the Table
The 24-year-old forward is known for his ability to shoot the puck. He has an elite wrist shot and a powerful one-timer. His skating has improved since being in the NHL and he is able to protect the puck while doing it. Additionally, Laine has a high hockey IQ when it comes to creating chances for himself. This has allowed him to be deadly on the man advantage. During the 2017-2018 season, he was first in the NHL for power-play goals, with 20. Also, Laine has the ability to be clutch and score timely goals. In his career, he has scored 25 game-winning goals, his season-high being eight.
Furthermore, if Laine can have a full healthy season, he can be expected to continue to build on his offensive production. Creating chances for himself and his linemates will make him valuable any time he is on the ice. His ability to control the game and set the tone while on the ice is a big part of his game. We can anticipate him to come back with a big season on a new contract.
Columbus will also have to move out some space to afford Laine’s salary. Someone like Gustav Nyquist will probably be on the move.
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