Laine has only played in 18 games this season after dealing with injuries and then entering the NHL Players Assistance Program to deal with an undisclosed problem.
The 25 year-old Finnish winger has had a challenging year after only putting up 9 points in 18 games with a -10 +/- rating. The poor play on the ice mixed with his problems off the ice have made it an all around tough season for Laine.
The Blue Jackets forward has had an impressive career so far in the NHL, he has put up over 50 points in all of his season except for the shortened covid year in 2020 where he still had 21 points in 45 games. he even 70 points in 82 games as a 19 year-old in his second season in the NHL.
Hopefully Laine will be able to get the help he needs this season and will come back stronger than ever next year, as he has proven before than he can be a real star in the NHL.
POLL | ||
31 MARS | 242 ANSWERS Columbus Blue Jackets make major statement on Patrik Laine Will Laine be back to his regular self next year? | ||
Yes | 76 | 31.4 % |
No | 166 | 68.6 % |
List of polls |