According to Aaron Portzline of the Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine have elected to not to file for salary arbitration:

Told #CBJ RFA Patrik Laine will not file for #NHL salary arbitration by the 5 p.m. Sunday deadline.

That's an indication that negotiations, while not moving as quickly as some would like, remain amicable between the club and Laine's agent, Andy Scott.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 16, 2022

This news is a positive sign for the club and for the winger, meaning there is peace and positivity on both sides. This comes after the signing of Johnny Gaudreau, which leads to wonder if there is buy-in in the reset from the Laine camp. However, there is salary cap complications for the sides at this time to prevent a deal. In a recent podcast, Portzline noted that the club and Laine are “looking at long term, down there in the 5-6 year range.” It also gives Gaudreau and Laine separation in negotiations in the future, and a lethal weapon for a playmaker.

Moves in Columbus aren’t done, and it could cost the Jackets something on their roster. Laine won’t come cheap, and there is still Emil Bemstrom and Trey Fix-Wolansky left that need new deals for the season.

Thoughts on the future in Columbus with Laine and Gaudreau extensions???

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