Laine Returns To Columbus For First Time Since Being Traded
It could have been an amazing return to Columbus for Patrik Laine.
Just 24 hours ago, almost every Columbus Blue Jackets fan was excited to see Laine back, playing healthy and happy. Unfortunately, everything can change in a matter of seconds.
Yesterday, in a post-morning skate interview with The Athletic, Laine shared his thoughts on the Blue Jackets organization and why he wanted out.
“I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year. I was tired of losing and giving up when it’s December, already focusing on next year.
“They’re a little too satisfied and too comfortable with where they’re at. It wasn’t really a fit for me anymore. But here (in Montreal), it doesn’t matter if we’re winning or losing—we’re always trying our best. That’s what I felt was missing in Columbus.”
When asked to clarify whether he was referring to his teammates or the Blue Jackets’ management group, Laine said: “I’ll leave that for everybody’s imagination.”
Laine’s final thought was an interesting one: “If we win, we’re going to jump them. That’d be awesome to leave them behind.”
You can read the full story here
Well, if that doesn’t get your blood boiling as a Blue Jackets fan, I’m not sure what will.
One thing is clear—it didn’t sit well with the Blue Jackets players. They made life tough for Laine until he eventually left the game with an upper-body injury.
Laine was only on the ice for six shifts, totaling 6:15 of ice time. During that stretch, he was hit four times, including a heavy collision with Dmitri Voronkov that left an impact.
You’ll notice he was also booed every time he touched the puck.
The final hit came from Dante Fabbro, sending Laine to the dressing room. He did not return.
After the game, Zach Werenski shared his thoughts on Laine’s pre-game comments.
At the end of the day, the Blue Jackets got the last laugh with the win over the Canadiens, 5-4.
What's Next - The Blue Jackets welcome the Boston Bruins into Nationwide Arena on Friday night.
What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.