Columbus’ club boss Jarmo Kekäläinen considers it very possible that both Finns of the club will continue in the team. According to Kekäläinen, Patrik Laine has expressed his desire to continue his NHL career at Blue Jackets.
5.5. 08:47 • Updated May 5th. 09:42
Finnish puck fans are feverishly waiting to see if they will Patrik Laine to play in the World Cup. The games of the lions in Tampere will start in a week on Friday, so information about Laine’s decision can be obtained already this week.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Laine’s contract with the NHL club Columbus Blue Jackets is severed.
Typically, NHL players will not go to the World Cup if there is no contract with the club team in their pocket. This is because a possible injury in the Games would make contract negotiations more difficult.
Columbus GM Jarmo Kekäläinen comments on Laine’s contract negotiations with Urheilu. According to Kekäläinen, both parties “have expressed their willingness to conclude an extension agreement”.
– Now we are looking for a common tone in terms of what all this means in years and dollars. It’s not that complicated, Kekäläinen says.
Wave will become a limited free agent when the current contract expires. Columbus therefore has the privilege of entering into a contract with a player.
The length of the Finnish extension contract is an interesting fact, because in a year he would become an unlimited free agent in the NHL. At that time, he would be free to choose his next employer.
A player becomes an unlimited free agent if he has played in the NHL for seven years or turned 27 at the end of the contract. Next season would be Laine’s seventh in North America.
The start of 24-year-old Laine in Columbus was difficult. He moved into the club in the middle of last season and the extracts on the field were not convincing.
This season went much better in the trough, although it was overshadowed by an injury and the death of Laine’s father. Laine played 56 matches with an average match score (26 + 30).
The club boss Kekäläinen is satisfied with what he has seen. He emphasizes that playing Laine was more holistic than before.
– There are guys who just want to create situations and goals. In hockey, however, it’s all about what needs to be done at any time for the team to win the game. There is a big difference in these ways of thinking. We are really happy with Patrik Laine’s season, Kekäläinen praises.
– It is always interesting to see the importance of self-confidence in top sports. The guy who came here last year with a little self-confidence is a completely different man than this one, who had the puck at times like a string at this time of year. In this respect, there was a terrible difference between the two seasons.
The wave really developed throughout the pitch. He was genuinely present at the matches and was where the games were decided. The physique of the people from Tampere, including skating, also seemed to be in better condition than before after a hard summer.
– Because it is built on self-confidence when you are physically well prepared and in good condition. He had a good time here this year and a good mood. We saw right away in the fall that the man is in good shape and well prepared for the season. We are talking about a completely different man, Kekäläinen lists.
The return of Joonas Korpisalo is also possible
The team’s second Finn, the goalkeeper Joonas Korpisalo is also without an agreement. Helsinki residents will become an unlimited free agent in the summer, so this can measure its value in the free market.
However, there may not be much demand in the wake of a weak and even traumatic period. Korpisalo recently underwent hip surgery.
The Finnish goalkeeper started in 17 matches this season, of which seven won. The rejection rate eventually fell to 87.7 and the average number of goals conceded per match swelled to 4.15.
Korpisalo is a highly regarded player and person in Columbus. Kekäläinen says that although Columbus’ goalkeeper matters are already in good shape, Korpisalo’s return to the company is also possible.
– We know here what he can do and that he is better than last season. I have not the slightest doubt that he will be able to return to his old level.
– The man himself has a strong desire to show and continue in the NHL. We know the man and his ways of working, so it is quite possible that he will continue with us, Kekäläinen assures.
Jarmo Kekäläinen has been the director of the sports side of Columbus throughout his tenth term. The team was eliminated in the playoffs this season.