Blue Jackets' Laine out 3-4 weeks with elbow sprain

Columbus Blue Jackets star Patrik Laine will miss three-to-four weeks after spraining his elbow in Wednesday's season-opening loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The injury occurred early in the second period when a forechecking Laine became tangled up with Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce. Laine's right arm appeared to be pinned against the boards at an awkward angle during the collision.

Laine finished his shift but was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

Laine, 24, scored Columbus' lone tally 11 seconds into the middle frame of the 4-1 defeat.

The Finnish sniper posted 26 goals and 30 assists in 56 contests with the Blue Jackets last season. He signed a four-year pact with an average annual value of $8.7 million as a restricted free agent this past summer.

Laine started the campaign on Columbus' top line with Johnny Gaudreau - the offseason's top free agent - and center Boone Jenner. The Blue Jackets will have to wait until Laine returns to see what kind of chemistry the trio can develop.