Patrik Laine Makes Very Bold Statement Ahead of New Season
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
October 22, 2023 (8:56 PM)
Patrik Laine is clearly ready for the new NHL season to start, and he doesn't care who doesn't like it.
When training camp got underway earlier this month, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced Laine would now be playing center from here on out. It's not something he's done regularly in his career, but don't tell him that.
Laine was asked today how he thinks he stacks up to some of the league's best down the middle; guys like Connor McDavid, Sydney Crosby, and Auston Matthews. Laine said he stacks up just fine.
"I'm not going to start kissing everybody's a** or pumping everybody's tires. I know I can compete with those guys and that's why I want to do this in the first place."
Laine is not just playing center, but will be on the Blue Jackets' top line with Johnny Gaudreau and Cole Sillinger. It's trial by fire, but Laine seems well prepared.
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