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PLD SIGNED! Laine rumor????

January 2, 2021, 9:55 AM ET [23 Comments]
Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
With little more than two weeks before the season, the CBJ have come to terms with Pierre-Luc Dubois. His new deal is 2 years, $10 million dollars. He will still be a restricted free agent when that contract expires giving Columbus an advantage at keeping him in town. This comes as no surprise as only 3 Blue Jackets are signed past the end of 2022 (Cam, Gus & Gavrikov).

The uncertainty of revenue streams, possible 'pause' in the season and unknown cap number going forward all played a part in the length of his deal. There is obvious risk for both the player and the franchise signing a short deal. If the player out-performs the contract, he is going to be owed a large contract in just 2 short years. If he under-performs that contract the player left money on the table by not signing a longer deal.

Financially the CBJ had to sign a short term deal. They are not a team that spends up to the cap. This fits within their current budget and keeps this winning team on the ice together for another few seasons. Continuing to use shorter-than-most contracts gives the CBJ flexibility, but at the sacrifice of continuity. At this point I have learned that Jarmo has a plan and not to question it. While Columbus has proven that it can consistently make the playoffs and compete, they have never really been a threat to do much else. He (JK) has used baby-steps to get this team to where they are but the exodus of talent that didn't believe Columbus could win was concerning.

It was a weird set of circumstances, but Columbus lost Panarin, Bobrovsky and Duschene in one off season. If you are a franchise on the up-and-up you have to be able to retain your talent, or at least some of your talent. If you believe the news, Jarmo tried to give everything that wasn't nailed down to keep Panarin. Similar stories were out there about the deal offered to Bob. However, neither stayed. Why? That is the million dollar (or $10 million dollar a year) question.

The ink has not even dried on the PLD contract and there is a rumor of trading him? He could move to WIN for Patrik Laine. Laine is a pure scorer, but at the sacrifice of a #1 center? Columbus has always coveted a true #1 center and now it seems they have him. And they want to trade him? Could contract negotiations have gone bad...like Johansen bad?

Laine is only signed through the end of the 2021 season and then will be an RFA. If the trade was made, Jarmo goes through the painstaking process of signing a high-profile RFA again next off season. Laine was 27th in scoring last season with 28 goals and 35 assists. He was not the top scorer on his team, 3 other players had higher point totals. And without a #1 center, would he struggle?

Dubois, on the other hand, had 18 goals and 31 assists in 2020. In his first three seasons in the league, he has missed exactly 0 games. When the CBJ-core is mentioned, he is a key part of it. In the bubble playoffs he started to show how much of an impact he can make showcasing his puck driving skills.

My belief is that PLD is the better fit in the Union Blue and should not be dealt for Laine. No knock on Laine or is talent, but Columbus needs their #1 center.

The count down is on, 12 days until CBJ hockey!

Good Luck and GO JACKETS!
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