The Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to terms with All-Star Patrik Laine, bringing back the forward on a four-year, $34.8 million contract. He will be a cap hit of just under $9 million per season. It's a stiff price to pay, but likely worth holding onto one of the premier talents in the NHL.

Laine was acquired by the Blue Jackets in January of 2021 from the Winnipeg Jets. He then signed a one-year deal to remain in Columbus this past season, but it did not go as planned. Clearly, the Blue Jackets franchise are betting on Laine returning to his prior form before he moved to Columbus.

Patrik Laine burst onto the hockey scene as a rookie to score 36 goals in Winnipeg back in 2016-2017. He followed that up with 44 goals in his sophomore season and then 30 and 28 respectively. However, in the two years since, Laine has scored a total of 36 goals. He's dealt with oblique injuries among others the last couple of seasons.

Nevertheless, it's a clear sign that Columbus wants to contend in the tough Eastern Conference. On the first day of NHL free agency, the Blue Jackets signed free agent Johnny Gaudreau to a massive seven-year, $68 million contract. Gaudreau scored 40 goals and finished with 115 points last season. That's the most in NHL history for a player to change teams as a free agent.

Assuming Laine can stay healthy, the Blue Jackets should not have a hard time scoring goals. But the biggest problem remains in net. Elvis Merzlikins is listed as the starting goalie for Columbus. He posted a porous 3.22 GAA last season. Columbus would be wise to try and find something else in net if they really want to contend.