Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly traded any player who criticized Patrik Laine

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been in disarray for more than a few seasons now, that much has been clear. Now it appears that their leadership group tried to speak out about the state of their locker room and instead of fixing the issues, management got rid of every player on their leadership group and failed to address the root of the problem.

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic and the NHL Network, the Blue Jackets leadership group held a netting a few years ago and identified forward Patrik Laine and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins as a huge part of the problem within the team. However, instead of hearing their concerns and addressing them, the Blue Jackets chose to get rid of their leadership group instead.

Laine was considered a blue chip prospect and a franchise altering player at one point, but when you have your leadership group mentions two players as the problem and Laine being one of them, you probably should listen to them. Instead, Laine has now forced his way out of Columbus Blue Jackets organization when he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

This leaves Elvis Merzlikins as the only remaining 'problem' in the Jackets locker room. With no leadership in place it will be interesting to see if the Jackets finally address this issue or if the team is pressed too tightly into a corner.