In leaving Calgary for Columbus as a free agent this summer, Johnny Gaudreau may no longer be playing on “the best line in the NHL.” But BetOnline.ag oddsmakers, who set his over/under at 92.5 points, still might be undervaluing the quality of talent that the Blue Jackets have at their disposal.
Gaudreau scored a career-best 40 goals and 114 points with the Flames last season. He also racked up a career-best 75 assists, in part because he was playing alongside a pair of 42-goal scorers in Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm.
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Does Columbus have two other 40 goal scorers? Probably not. But in Patrik Laine, who had 26 goals in 56 games, they have someone with 50-goal potential — especially now that he’s expected to play alongside Gaudreau.
The only question is whether Laine can stay healthy. And whether Boone Jenner, Kent Johnson or whoever centres the line can be productive enough to allow Gaudreau to pick up his points.
Either way, don’t expect a 22.5-point dip in his totals.
— Michael Traikos, Postmedia