Patrik Laine's true attitude in the locker room is finally revealed
Photo credit: USA Today
Aaron Portzline is a reporter for the Columbus Blue Jackets and he had a lot of positive things to say about Patrik Laine's character,contrary to many beliefs.
The day after former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, reporter Aaron Portzline reported on "Bishop and Friends" that a few years ago, there were several veterans on the team who approached their general manager to demand that Patrik Laine be traded due to his toxic attitude.
That very same journalist, Aaron Portzline, has just provided some clarification on the situation, and wanted to make it very clear that Patrik Laine is actually a really great person and an even better teammate. Portzline raved about Laine and said that GM of the Habs Kent Hughes made the right decision in acquiring him as he can really help the organization.
Nevertheless, Aaron Portzline assures that he never perceived Laine as a cancer in the locker room, far from it.
"Last season, more than ever before, you could feel that he was trying to establish himself as a leader in the room. He really took Adam Fantilli under his wing. Fantilli even stayed at his house for a while," he shared.
"I don't think that's something he would have done before. He really made a step forward. It was something new for him," he continued.
- Via TVA Sports and the Journal de Montréal
"Last season, more than ever before, you could feel that he was trying to establish himself as a leader in the room. He really took Adam Fantilli under his wing. Fantilli even stayed at his house for a while," he shared.
"I don't think that's something he would have done before. He really made a step forward. It was something new for him," he continued.
- Via TVA Sports and the Journal de Montréal
Patrik Laine has just come out of the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, and he recently stated that he has made progress as an individual, and that he is ready to get back into the calibre of player he was while he was a member of the Winnipeg Jets. Based off of Aaron Portzline's comments, it appears that Laine does have some really good qualities.
Sure, Patrik Laine may have an attitude, but who doesn't? He is a fiery player after all and coaches and general managers want players that will play with a passion, so it's a good quality for Laine to have.
As long as he can keep it under control and won't take silly penalties during games, and will be a mentor for his other teammates, then this trade is going to be a very good thing for the Montreal Canadiens organization.
There we have it, Patrik Laine is not a problem in the locker room. He was genuine and tried his hardest to be a great leader for the younger players in Columbus. GM Kent Hughes is likely hoping that Laine will be able to take Ivan Demidov under his wing, who is a top prospect for Montreal, and hopefully turn him into a special player.
Patrik Laine was drafted 2nd overall, and right after Auston Matthews during the 2016 NHL draft. He's played in 480 games and scored 204 goals, while adding 184 assists for 388 points. He did suffer an off year last season, as he only managed to play in 18 games and score just six goals and nine points. He's hopeful that this fresh start in Montreal will finally get his career going again.
Source: Hockey-Reference
Patrik Laine Stats
Patrik Laine Stats
| POLL | ||
22 AOUT | 306 ANSWERS Patrik Laine's true attitude in the locker room is finally revealed Will Patrik Laine have a breakout year in Montreal? | ||
| Yes | 122 | 39.9 % |
| No | 184 | 60.1 % |
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