The Blue Jackets and Jets have completed a blockbuster transaction to trade disgruntled stars as winger Patrik Laine heads for Columbus, while center Pierre-Luc Dubois has landed in Winnipeg.
Attacker Jack Roslovic, a native of Columbus, is also heading to the Blue Jackets as part of the deal. Columbus sends Winnipeg its third round for 2022.
Dubois, 22, signed a two-year, $ 10 million contract extension ahead of the training camp, although sources confirmed to ESPN that he also told management during the negotiations that he wanted to be traded. Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen was in no rush to relocate Dubois – the 2016 concept’s # 3 pick – and rather wait until he could get the best return. However, the situation escalated when Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella put Dubois on the bench after the first period on Thursday.
“He hasn’t given a reason why he wants to leave,” Tortorella told 97.1 The Fan last week. ‘He has to stand for it. That’s the way I think you should go about your business and be the best team you can be. ‘
Laine, who was selected at No. 2 of the 2016 Draft, has been a rumored candidate since its agent TSN told this off-season that it would be “mutually beneficial” for both sides to make a fresh start.
“I’m here, isn’t it,” Laine told reporters ahead of the season, downplaying the request.
The 22-year-old Finnish winger had 28 goals and 35 assists in 68 games in 2019-2020, and had two goals and one assist in his first game of 2020-21.
Since his debut in 2016-17, only eight players (Alex Ovechkin, Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, John Tavares and Patrick Kane) have scored more goals than Laine’s 140.
“Strengthening our line-up offensively was a priority for us and the additions of Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic accomplish just that,” Kekalainen said in a statement. “Patrik is a player we know very well and has quickly become one of the most skilled goal scorers in our league. Jack is an exciting young player with great potential and we are thrilled to bring him to Columbus as Blue Jacket. bring. “
Laine is currently in reserve with an upper body injury. He is in the final year of a two-year bridging deal that earns him $ 6.75 million annually. The Jets keep 26% of Laine’s salary, according to the team.
The Blue Jackets announced that they have signed a two-year contract with Roslovic, $ 3.8 million for the 2021-22 season.
Under Canada’s quarantine regulations, Dubois will have to remain in isolation for 14 days and miss at least seven matches. Dubois has 66 goals and 93 assists for 159 points in 239 career games.