Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Patrik Laine is a wildcard

The story has been beaten to shreds this summer, but here we are in mid-August and Patrik Laine is still a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. If he's still around when the season starts, he will surely continue to be the main storyline to follow for the team. But, it's also possible that he could be an ace in the hole. Until that does or doesn't happen, we have to call Patrik Laine a wildcard.

After requesting a trade at some point late in the season, Laine spent time in the NHLPA's Players Assistance Program; only to return to a team with a new GM at the helm. His trade request still looms large on Don Waddell's to-do list, but the team has yet to find a suitable enough deal to trade away Laine's services.

Reports now are that Laine will be expected to start his season in Columbus; with the team hoping he can boost his trade value. This does make sense from a team perspective. It would sure beat selling low on a very high end asset. The one question I would have here is: would the team be doing right by the player here? I guess we'll just have to call it "part of the business".

Plain and simple, Laine is one of the most dangerous shooters in all of hockey. He has a violent one-timer with pinpoint accuracy, and an equally effective wrist shot. He's also an underrated passer, and he doesn't get enough credit for his overall game. He'll never win the Selke for his defense, but it's not for a strangely perceived lack of effort.

He was a point-per-game player for the Blue Jackets until this past season, which was hampered by multiple serious injuries and that stay in the program, so I'm willing to give him a pass on it. Still just 26 years old, he's just entering the prime of his career, and he has a lot of goals left in the tank.

With two years left at an AAV of $8.7 million dollars, it's just a tough deal for a lot of teams to swallow right now. There are too many question marks with that cap hit. A hot start with the Jackets could put those concerns to rest.

One bold prediction: Patrik Laine will score 30 goals for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.

Yes, I said 30 goals with the Columbus Blue Jackets. At this point in the offseason (barring any real shockers), teams have the core of their lineups pretty well set for next season. Moves that happen between now and training camp will likely be made around the edges of lineups.

If the Jackets were going to find a trade for Laine, it needed to happen in June, or early July. It did not, and I don't think the offers are going to go up at this point. So, it does seem like the team and player have to stay married for the time being. And, if you've paid attention this offseason, Patty has been working hard.

A healthy, motivated Patrik Laine is one of the best snipers in the world. This year, the Jackets won't need to force him into minutes down the middle. I count no fewer than six NHL players on this roster that can play center. They'll have more competent coaching - hopefully improving the power-play. I don't think 30 goals before the trade deadline is a stretch at all for this player.