Columbus Blue Jackets Make Unfortunate Announcement on Patrik Laine

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River Hawk
March 31, 2024 (8:57 PM)

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Patrik Laine has been a star player for the Columbus Blue Jackets with two consecutive 50-point seasons. However, he shocked NHL fans this year when he decided to step back from the game to focus on his mental health.

After a rough start to the season with only nine points in 18 games, Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets stepped back from the team to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. The association announced that he would be unavailable to the club indefinitely.

"Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and will be away from the Blue Jackets for an indefinite period."

Unfortunately, the team officially announced that Patrik Laine will not return for the remainder of the season.

Many Blue Jackets fans' hopes for this player's quick return were dashed after Aaron Portzline of The Athletic shared Columbus interim GM John Davidson's comments on Patrik Laine's return.

"This won't likely come as a surprise, as Laine has been out of the lineup with a broken clavicle since Dec. 14 and enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA players' assistance program since Jan. 28. But Davidson made it official to The Athletic on Saturday, saying: 'He won't be back this season.' Laine's final totals: 6-3-9 and a minus-10 rating in 18 games."

Though many fans would like to see him on the ice, more wish the best for this Blue Jackets player. Patrik Laine has helped destigmatize NHLers getting help by seeking it himself and speaking out against those who mock it. Now that we know he is out of the lineup for the remainder of this season, hopefully, he has the time he needs to get better.

Source - Puck Reporter
Columbus Blue Jackets release a troubling update on Patrik Laine

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