Former second overall pick leaves team, enters Player Assistance Program

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Joshua
January 28, 2024 (1:52 PM)

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Photo credit: Sportsnet

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a trade during the 2021 season, acquiring Patrik Laine in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois, while also getting Jack Roslovic.

Although he has shown flashes of his previous brilliance in Winnipeg, he has not been able to consistently replicate it in Columbus.

#CBJ forward Patrik Laine has entered the NHL / NHLPA player-assistance program and will be away from the club for an undetermined amount of time, The Athletic has learned.
Story posting soon.� Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 28, 2024

Despite this, Laine has played 173 games for the Blue Jackets and was expected to be a key player in the team's playoff push.

Fast forward to 2024, Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA assistance program. While on indefinite leave, he will not be able to play for the hockey club until he is cleared to do so by the program.

«Patrik has our complete support, and our sole concern is his well-being,» said Blue Jackets General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen. «Out of respect for Patrik, we will have no further comment.»

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POLL
28 JANVIER \| 418 ANSWERS Former second overall pick leaves team, enters Player Assistance Program Do you think Patrik Laine will be better when he comes back from the program?
Yes	198	47.4 %
No	220	52.6 %
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