Patrik Laine received an outpouring of support from segments of the Columbus Blue Jackets fanbase and fans across the NHL when he entered the player assistance program. So, his return to Nationwide Arena was an opportunity for those fans in Columbus to welcome him back, in person.
Laine entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program after appearing in 18 regular season games last season. He aimed to focus on aspects of his life that weren’t specifically hockey-related. Yet, not all fans supported him, some even made insensitive, and frankly despicable, remarks about Laine. This could have been in the back of his mind in the lead-up to his first game.
Prior to the game, Laine was asked about his return, and he spoke of the ups and downs he faced. He was then pressed about his desire to leave Columbus where he said “Some things could have been handled better. I’m having the time of my life here (MTL) so I don’t want to get into it”. He stated his frustration with the team’s playoff hopes dying by December and his perception that the franchise essentially quit on the current season and turned their focus on the next season. His comments comparing the approach between Montreal and Columbus may be where he angered his former teammates.
“They’re a little too satisfied and too comfortable 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 about it (in Columbus)…..there were certainly, certainly people like that who were a little too comfortable and fine with losing and just doing the same thing year after year. I’m going to leave that up for discussion for everybody else.” – Patrik Laine
His pre-game comments are likely why he received a very cold welcome back from the fans who rained down the boos from the moment he touched the puck. Also, the team didn’t play any type of tribute video or address his return for the fans to acknowledge him.
Patrik Laine touches the puck and the boos rain down in Columbus. pic.twitter.com/3RXtL755jH
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 24, 2024
Those comments also seemingly lit a fire under some Columbus players, like Zack Werenski who was obviously upset about Laine’s comments about Columbus being too satisfied and comfortable about where they’re at.
Full comments from Zach Werenski on Patrik Laine. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/6cIwdXacB7
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) December 24, 2024
Considering that Werenski was reportedly demanding Laine be traded out of Columbus for multiple seasons, it is clear there were some behind-the-scenes issues with the two players. He and the Jackets’ locker room were motivated for this matchup, and Laine was a target for his former team during the game who were out to make him pay a price physically. Anytime they could, they finished their checks on him (cleanly) and they remained vocal whenever they were near him. Laine only played 6 minutes and 15 seconds, and before he left the game with an “upper-body injury” at the end of the first period, he was hit four times. However, as angry as the Blue Jackets seemed, they should expand their targets for retribution to include their general manager (GM) Don Waddell. Because he said the same things Laine did. Immediately after being hired as the GM, Waddell made it clear that they required a culture change.
“The one thing is, I’m not saying it was everybody, but losing was acceptable [here] and losing is not acceptable…. they had a lot of injuries at the beginning of the year and fell out of the race pretty quick [and] they just kind of played out the season. And we have to change that.” – Don Waddell
Waddell’s comments convey the same sentiment as Laine’s did, but they were delivered by their GM, making it a challenge to the players. Laine making those comments gave the Blue Jackets a convenient target to vent their frustrations. The reactions from his former teammates and the comments by the Blue Jackets’ GM lend legitimacy to Laine’s comments. That being said, it no longer seems to be the case that Columbus is quitting on the season in December. Prior to the game, the Blue Jackets were only one point ahead of the Canadiens in the standings, with their 5-4 win over Montreal they are now four points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
As for Laine, there is no update yet on his injury or if he will miss any more time. With respect to his mental health, his focus on maintaining a positive mindset amid ups and downs will be tested this season, yet he does seem to be happy, comfortable and supported by the Canadiens.
