Blue Jackets already benefiting from the Johnny Gaudreau effect.

The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off the biggest surprise of free agency last week when they signed arguably the most coveted prize on the market in former Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau. It was a huge win for an organization that has, historically, struggled to attract big name free agents and has struggle to retain their own free agents at times as well.

Not only has the signing of Gaudreau gone a long way to help wash that stigma off of the franchise, but it would appear that the Blue Jackets are already reaping the rewards from what can only be described as the Johnny Gaudreau effect. A report from Clay Hall of ABC 6 in Columbus has now revealed that the Blue Jackets are seeing what can only be described as a dramatic uptick in season ticket sales, something the franchise will no doubt appreciate after making such a massive investment in a star forward.

"We have seen an uptick in season ticket sales as we sold twice as many full season equivalents in the first 24 hours after the signing than we typically sell in a week during this time of year," reported the Blue Jackets as per Hall.

While I suspect that the surge will cool off as we get further and further away from the announcement that Gaudreau was signed, it's clear that Gaudreau is already having a significant impact on the franchise.

While the two may not be connected, it could very well be that the Johnny Gaudreau effect has had an impact on the Blue Jackets roster as well. Earlier today all 24 players who filed for arbitration where announced by the National Hockey League Players' Association, and notably absent from that list was Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine.

As I stated it could merely be a coincidence, but no doubt Laine is excited at the prospect of having another talented winger on the roster come next season. The fact that the timing of his decision not to file came shortly after the decision to sign Gaudreau was announced could also suggest a connection between the two.