NHL rumors: Blue Jackets could give Patrik Laine a change of scenery

Despite some preseason expectations that the Columbus Blue Jackets could potentially compete for an Eastern Conference playoff spot in 2023-24, it was instead another abysmal campaign in Ohio. The Jackets finished 29th in league standings and were long out of contention well before the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “The Blue Jackets have shown an appropriate level of concern for Patrik Laine, who entered the NHL / NHLPA's player assistance program in late January and didn't play again the rest of the season,” wrote The Athletic's Aaron Portzline earlier this week.