Blue Jackets forced to make trade following Laine’s new contract

On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Patrik Laine to a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $8.7 million. The deal now ties Laine to Columbus through the 2025-26 season and put them over the cap.

This prompted today’s trade as the Blue Jackets shipped out Oliver Bjorkstrand in exchange for a 2023 third round pick (via Calgary) and a 2023 fourth round pick (via Winnipeg) to the Seattle Kraken. 

The third-round selection comes via the Calgary Flames and the fourth-rounder from the Winnipeg Jets.

This is a new beginning for Bjorkstrand, who spent his entire career with the Jackets since being selected with the 89th pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. He is one year into a five-year, $27 million deal that carries a cap hit of $5.4 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 campaign.

In 80 games last season for Columbus, Bjorkstrand put up a career-best 28 goals and 29 assists. It was the third time in four seasons he eclipsed the 20-goal mark.

A great addition by Seattle, who helps Columbus make room on its cap.