By leaving Columbus, Patrik Laine fled the bad habits of the Blue Jackets organization, which had comforted itself with the idea of presenting mediocre performances each year.
The Montreal Canadiens forward still has a lot on his heart when he thinks about his four-season stay in Ohio. After practice before Monday night's meeting between the two teams, he threw several arrows at the Jackets.
“I feel like we were doing the same thing year after year. I was tired of losing and giving up in December to concentrate on the following season. I don't want to do this. It’s frustrating for a player when you want to win and other people aren’t like that,” explained the Finn in an interview with The Athletic.
Over the past four years, Columbus has finished last in the Metropolitan Division three times. The CH has experienced its share of failures during this period, but the culture is much more positive in Montreal.
“They are a little too content and comfortable with [l’idée de perdre]. It wasn't for me anymore. But here [à Montréal]”It doesn't matter if we win or lose, we always do our best,” Laine said.
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It was Jarmo Kekalainen's successor as general manager, Don Waddell, who traded the maverick shortly after his arrival in August. The 26-year-old athlete did not want to specify who he was referring to within the organization.
“When I signed a contract here, I made it clear that I loved being here, that everything was good and that I didn't want to leave. Obviously, certain things happened and that meant the end for me,” Laine said.
After just one season with the Blue Jackets, he agreed to a four-year, $34.8 million contract extension. He suffered a broken collarbone in December 2023, then, in order to work on his mental health, he entered the National Hockey League player assistance program in January.
