Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine to miss 3-4 weeks with elbow sprain

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine will miss 3-4 weeks with an elbow sprain.

He has been placed on injured reserve.

Laine left Wednesday’s season opener midway through the second period after colliding awkwardly with Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce. Pesce made contact with Laine’s right elbow, which was the likely cause of the injury.

Laine scored the lone goal of the game, scoring just 11 seconds into the second period.

The Finnish forward is currently in the first year of a four-year deal worth $8.7 million per season. Laine had 26 goals and 56 points in 56 games with Columbus last year, helping to revive his career.

Laine had 36 and 44 goals in his first two seasons, respectively, but has failed to hit the 30-goal mark in the three seasons since. He was on pace for close to 40 goals last season but missed time