Patrik Laine enters Player Assistance Program

Patrik Laine, 25, has nine points (six goals, three assists) and is minus-10 in 18 games this season. Screenshot from NHL.com. Forward will return to Blue Jackets when cleared for on-ice competition . Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program and will be unavailable indefinitely for the Columbus Blue Jackets , said NHL in a statement on Sunday 28 January 2024. The forward will return to the Blue Jackets when he has been cleared by administrators under the terms of the joint program for on-ice competition. "I wanted to take a moment to address my need to step away from the game for a while," Laine said Sunday in a post on Instagram. "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. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in orde...