Patrik Laine is sidelined indefinitely and will return when he is cleared to play.
The NHL club Columbus Blue Jackets announces that the team’s forward Patrick Laine participates in the support program of the NHL and the players’ association.
Laine will be on the sidelines for an unspecified period of time, will receive treatment and will return when he is given permission to play from the support program. Columbus did not say why Laine applied for the support program.
– Patrik has our full support and we are fully focused on his well-being. Out of respect for Patrik, I will not comment further, the Finnish GM of Columbus Jarmo Kekäläinen says.
The head coach Pascal Vincent revealed before the Vancouver match played the night before Sunday, Finland time, that Laine’s collarbone injury has come to a back burner, and he is not able to play yet.
Laine suffered a collarbone injury on Dec. 14 against Toronto. He returned to team practice on January 19.
Laine last played in mid-December. He has been able to play only 18 matches this season, in which nine (6+3) power points have been generated.
For example, players suffering from various addictions or mental health problems have been referred to the support program of the NHL and the players’ association. This season, the Colorado Avalanche have helped Valery Nitshusky and Samuel Girard.
Players participating in the support program are paid as usual. You can only leave the program when you get permission to do so. The reason for applying to the support program is not stated, but the player can do it himself after leaving the support program
The support program of the NHL and the players’ association was established in 1996.