He was lured to Columbus with a seven-year deal worth $9.75 million a season"Johnny Hockey" might be the most exciting forward to play for the Blue Jackets since Artemi Panarin in 2017-19. He's a difference-maker, and the buzz is palpable.
. Gaudreau's puck-handling and playmaking ability should give the 24-year-old Laine an opportunity to improve on his 26 goals last season. The Jackets hope he can get closer to the 44 goals and 26 assists he recorded in 2017-18 with Winnipeg. Veteran wingers Jakub Voracek and Gustav Nyquist will be in the top six, but there will plenty of competition for the other forward spots.The issue of who will center the top line with Gaudreau and Laine will be worked out in training camp. It could be Boone Jenner, Roslovic or Cole Sillinger. Jenner is coming back after missing the last two months of the 2021-22 season with a back injury.