The Columbus Blue Jackets, signing their way to the top

The Columbus Blue Jackets have advanced past the first round of the playoffs only once in the last 11 seasons. In an effort to reverse that trend, the team has acquired All-Star Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-round selection in the 2022 draft.

The team also announced that the terms with Jack Roslovic, who is a restricted free agent, is for the next two year at just under $2 million per season. Clearly offense is a priority for the team, which is averaging just 2.5 goals per game over the first six games.  The team is excited about having one of the most efficient offensive players in the league in Patrik Laine and believe Jack Roslovic has tremendous potential.

Patrik Laine has already scored 140 goals and 110 assists in 306 games at the tender age of 22.  He’s been particularly effective on the powerplay, scoring 52 goals and 85 total points.  There is a minor injury concern with Laine, who has missed the last few games with an upper body injury. Considering his impressive frame, we can safely say that Patrik Laine is quite a strong player and has scored at least 28 goals each of the last four years.  Among his honors was All-Rookie Team and an All-Star appearance in 2016-2017.  Laine also gives the Columbus Blue Jackets added playoff experience, having recorded 16 points in 24 games.  The Finland native has also represented his country in international competitions at the World Junior Hockey Championships and the World Cup of Hockey.

The 23-year-old Jack Roslovic has 26 goals and 41 assists in 180 games since Winnipeg drafted him 25^th overall in 2015.  Roslovic’s best season was last year when he scored 12 goals and 17 assists in nearly 15 minutes of ice time per game. Currently second in the realigned Central Division, the Blue Jackets have an excellent chance to not only be a playoff team this season, but advance past the first round. That would be considered a successful season all the way around.