Blue Jackets re-sign Laine, trade Bjorkstrand to Kraken

By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed winger Patrik Laine to a $34.8 million, four-year contract. The deal carries an $8.7 million salary cap hit through 2026. The Blue Jackets made room for Laine by trading forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Seattle Kraken for two draft picks. Locking up Laine long term was the last item on the Blue Jackets’ offseason checklist after they surprisingly signed top free agent Johnny Gaudreau. Laine was a point-a-game player last season in his first full year with Columbus.