Columbus Blue Jackets provide update on Patrik Laine

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TJ Tucker
March 31, 2024 (4:25 PM)

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After entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program early in 2024, it appears Patrik Laine has no intention of returning to play before the regular seasons ends.

It's been a rough season for Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets. After he, and the rest of the team struggled out of the gate, it was announced in December that Laine would miss the next six weeks with a clavicle fracture. . A little over a month later, and Laine announced he was entering the Player Assistance program and was out indefinitely.

"The National Hockey League Players' Association and National Hockey League announced today that forward Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets will be unavailable to his Club for an indefinite period while he receives care from the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL."

Unfortunately, it's now being reported that Laine has no intention of returning before the 2023-24 regular season ends. With the Columbus Blue Jackets well outside of a playoff spot, Laine's season is over.

"John Davidson told Aaron Portzline of The Athletic that «[Patrik Laine] won't be back this season."

It would have been great to see him hit the ice before the offseason hits, but Laine obviously knows what's best for him, and I'm sure he has some very good people helping him along. Hopefully we'll see the Finnish sniper return to form in 2024-25.