Patrik Laine Opens Up About Trade Request from Blue Jackets

Ahead of the matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets, former Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine, now a key piece of the Canadiens’ power play, didn’t shy away from addressing his trade request. Laine, who has become one of this season’s feel-good stories, pointed to a lack of commitment to winning within the Blue Jackets organization as the main reason for seeking a move.

As part of an article by Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, Laine went into detail about why it was frustrating playing for a team that seemed satisfied with losing. He explained:

“When I signed here, I made it clear that I loved being here and didn’t want to leave,” Laine said. “But things happened, and that was kind of it for me. I was tired of losing and giving up by December to focus on next year.”

Blue Jackets Grew Comfortable Not Being Competitive

The team now has a new GM, and changes have been made that have brought with it on-ice improvements. That said, Laine wasn’t wrong to argue the Blue Jackets looked like a team with no direction. They appeared comfortable with being less-than mediocre.

Laine suggested that some within the organization had grown too comfortable with mediocrity. They were creating a culture he no longer wanted to be part of. “It’s frustrating as a player when you’re trying to win, and some people are, you know, not like that,” Laine explained. “They’re too satisfied and comfortable where they’re at.”

When pressed to clarify whether his comments targeted teammates or management, Laine left it open-ended. “I’ll leave that for everybody’s imagination,” he said.

Since joining the Canadiens, Laine has thrived, scoring eight goals in nine games. He’ll look to make a statement against his former team on Monday. All the while, he’ll aim to push Montreal past Columbus in the standings and keep his record-breaking streak of power-play goals going.

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