3 years agoWinger Patrik Laine has accepted the Columbus Blue Jackets' qualifying offer, which means the restricted free agent will lock into a one-year contract with a $7.5 million cap hit. The 23-year-old forward appeared to be on the verge of becoming the next great scorer in the NHL after recording 30 or more goals in each of his first three seasons. He then slipped to just 12 goals in 46 games in 2020-21. He also had a -29 +/- after being traded from Winnipeg to Columbus just one game into his season. Laine's one-dimensional play has frustrated coaches but he'll be motivated to earn a larger contract with restricted free agency looming yet again. This could be good news for fantasy managers who appreciate his goal-scoring and high shot totals. --Marc Hulet - RotoBaller
Source: Sportsnet