How Patrik Laine’s Comments Affect his Future in Columbus

Patrik Laine didn’t have a career year last season in Columbus as a Blue Jacket. In fact, it was more of the opposite.

Laine tallied 10 goals in 45 games, equating to an 18-goal pace in 82 games, which is a career low. Along with a 38-point pace, his plus/minus rating of –29 were also career lows. At the end of the season, Laine blamed his lack of offensive production as a problem with his lack of confidence. That was his answer up until last week.

Tortorella was the Problem

In a recent interview with a Finnish media outlet, aamulehti.fi, Laine didn’t hold back when it came to his thoughts on John Tortorella, the former coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

John Tortorella’s contract was not renewed by Columbus after the 2021 season. Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

Coach Tortorella is notorious for having a very defensive-minded system with little emphasis on forwards to create their own chances. To paraphrase what Laine said, he believed that Tortorella’s system was to blame for the low offensive numbers by the Finnish winger.

“Tortorella did not give freedom to anyone. Forwards want to create offensively. You have to ‘cheat’ a bit if you want to become a goal king. It is not possible if the coaches think differently. But I do as they tell me,” Laine said in the article posted by the Finnish outlet.

Luckily for Laine, Tortorella is no longer the coach in Columbus. Reports are indicating that Laine would like to re-sign in Columbus. Laine is currently a restricted free agent for next season. It’ll be up to fellow Finland native, Jarmo Kekalainen and Laine to work out a deal.

Larsen and Laine’s Relationship

If Patrik Laine decides to re-sign with Columbus for next season, Brad Larsen will be his new head coach. Laine and Larsen did not see eye-to-eye.

Brad Larsen and Patrik Laine reportedly had a disagreement during a regular season game in 2021. Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

Laine was benched last season in the Jackets’ game on February 8 when Laine made a disrespectful comment to an assistant coach. Reports have recently emerged that the assistant coach was Brad Larsen. Now that he is the head coach, will there be any bad blood between them?

Supposedly the problem from February 8 has been resolved, but will Laine’s recent comments rekindle the issue? Larsen has already indicated that his system will resemble that of Tortorella’s, however, there seems to be more opportunities for forwards to create some of their own opportunities. Only time will tell on how well Larsen and Laine will work together if they’re given that opportunity.

How the Laine Drama Affects his Teammates    

Columbus had a very disappointing campaign last season. Laine’s offensive struggles reflected how successful the team was in 2021. Coming into the 2021-2022 season, Columbus has very low expectations. Off-ice drama such as Laine’s comments could create mixed emotions in the Columbus locker room.

At the end of the day, nobody knows for sure how many players agree or disagree with Laine’s comments on Tortorella’s coaching style. Regardless of what everyone thinks, they’ll all have a fresh start with Larsen as head coach. Columbus did not attract many star players under Tortorella, so Laine could flip that narrative if he can find a way to work well under Larsen.

Cover Image Courtesy of Kirk Irwin/Getty Images via theathletic.com.