Columbus Blue Jackets 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 league announced Sunday.
Neither the NHL nor the Blue Jackets will disclose Laine’s reason for entering the program, which assists players and their families with mental health, substance abuse and other matters. Per the program rules, Laine will continue to get paid during his time in the program, but he must be cleared by the program before he’s allowed to rejoin the NHL club.
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“Patrik has our complete support, and our sole concern is his well-being,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. “Out of respect for Patrik, we will have no further comment.”
Added Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent: “We care a whole lot about Patrik. We’re going to miss this man for the time being. He’s a big deal for us and we’re going to do everything we can to help him. That program is there because it’s valued. It’s a great thing for the players.
“Those guys are hockey players. That’s what they do for a living. but they’re people first. We’re going to miss him on the ice, but taking care of our people is No. 1.”
Laine has been out of the Blue Jackets’ lineup since he suffered a fractured clavicle on Dec. 14 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He joined the Blue Jackets for the start of their current road trip, but left the club late last week, per club sources.
“After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being,” Laine shared in an Instagram story post. “Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.”
Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent told reporters in Vancouver on Saturday that Laine had a “setback with his injury,” but that was not accurate.
Since joining the Blue Jackets in a trade from Winnipeg on Jan. 23, 2021, Laine has missed 89 games due to personal matters or injury. In 174 games with Columbus, he has 64 goals, 74 assists and a minus-58 rating.
Laine, 25, is the second member of the Blue Jackets to enter the program in recent seasons.
Winger Alexander Texier joined the program midway through the 2021-22 season and spent the following season playing in Switzerland before returning to the NHL this season.
(Photo: Aaron Doster / USA Today)
