NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from August 1 through September 1. Here are three big questions facing the Columbus Blue Jackets today.

1. Where will Patrik Laine play?

The 26-year-old forward has expressed a desire for a fresh start, with general manager Don Waddell saying in June that the team was prepared to accommodate his request but not at the expense of the organization.

Laine has struggled since being acquired in a trade with the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 23, 2021. He has 138 points (64 goals, 74 assists) in 174 games during his four seasons in Columbus. He has 250 points (140 goals, 110 assists) in 306 games with Winnipeg.

Last season was particularly tough for Laine. He broke his collarbone on Dec. 14 and entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program a little over a month later, on Jan. 28. He finished the season with nine points (six goals, three assists) in 18 games.

It has been difficult for Waddell to enter into trade talks with other teams because Laine wasn’t cleared from the program by July 26. He also has two more seasons remaining on his four-year, $34.8 million contract (average annual value of $8.7 million), which is also a hurdle.

“There’s no option at this point,” Waddell said.