Team Finland GM Jere Lehtinen Confirms Patrik Laine Won't Take Part In Upcoming IIHF World Championships

Jere Lehtinen, the GM of Team Finland confirmed today to Timo Kunnari of Iltalehti.fi that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine will not participate in the upcoming IIHF World Championships in Czechia. 

In the article, Lehtinen says, "He hasn't played in a long time. Hopefully "Pate" will get his personal life back on track and then return to hockey when the time is right. I really wish him all the best."

It was announced on January 28th, that Laine was entering the NHL Player Assistance Program and would step away from hockey. There has been no update other than John Davidson confirming a few weeks ago that Laine wouldn't return this season. 

Laine has been seen on social media, so he hasn't been entirely invisible since the announcement. 

Laine hasn't played for Team Finland since 2017, so this confirmation isn't necessarily a shock. Laine's international play has included a couple of World Cups, U20, U18, U17, and U16 tournaments. 

Patrik Laine's 2023-24 season was littered with injuries and setbacks. He suffered a concussion in October, a broken collar bone in December, was a healthy scratch earlier in the year, and then he went into the Player Assistance Program. 

A few weeks ago, it was reported that Laine also is selling his downtown Columbus condo. This could be for many reasons, but many have speculated that his time in Columbus is over. While others believe he's simply moving to another part of Columbus.  

Everyone is rooting for Laine to make a full comeback, hopefully in a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey. 

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