Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine has wanted out of Columbus for a long time
Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine has wanted to be traded out of Columbus predating the hire of general manager Don Waddell due to locker room issues.
Patrick Laine wanted out of Columbus way before new Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell was appointed to the position earlier this summer, according to reports.
While discussing Laine recently and his request to be moved Waddell mentioned that he believes that there were a lot of things going on in the locker room, and Laine doesn't want to be a part of it.
The twenty-six-year-old began the season with the Blue Jackets skating in 18 games before he was injured where he put up six goals along with three assists, however, he was a -10.
Shortly after returning from injury, Laine entered the player assistance program which he was cleared from at the end of July. He and his wife have since announced a mental health initiative called From Us To You. But what does this all mean in the middle of August?
Essentially it is believed that Patrik Laine had some issues he was dealing with in the environment of the Columbus Blue Jackets locker room. Was it clear when they began? No, but it's gone on for a while as reports suggest.
If the only solution that Laine feels will rectify the situation is to be traded, then so be it, but it's a lot easier said than done. The idea of whether he will be in the Blue Jackets lineup come opening day is unknown at this point and Don Waddell doesn't seem too keen to trade him just for the sake of trading him. So, what next? Hopefully, for Laine's piece of mind and the sake of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, the matter will be resolved soon.
| POLL | ||
Where will Patrik Laine begin the 2024-2025 season? | ||
| Columbus | 28 | 37.3 % |
| Other(specify in comments) | 47 | 62.7 % |
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