Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine enters NHL Player Assistance Program, out indefinitely for season

Patrik Laine is now the latest big name in the NHL to enter the assistance program as he seeks to improve his mental health and well being.

Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine enters NHL Player Assistance Program, out indefinitely for season

Patrik Laine (Image via The Columbus Dispatch)

Patrik Laine, the star forward of Columbus Blue Jackets seems to be facing some personal problems. On Sunday, the team announced that he will be entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

As per reports, Laine has taken this important decision to prioritize his mental health and well being. This has left the NHL community shocked and surprised. His future now seems uncertain as he has been ruled out indefinitely for the season.

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As per the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, he will be allowed to return to the team and get back on the ice field when cleared by program administrators.

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This program is aimed to help the players and families. In this, players are aided for mental health and stress, substance abuse or other issues. Recently, another accomplished name in the league, Valeri Nichushkin joined this program.

Players who undergo this program are given access to confidential phone line and counselors. There is no time limit on the program as players can only leave when the have been cleared by the program administrators.

Patrik Laine releases statement after deciding to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

Patrik Laine has been sidelined from the team since December 2023. The 25-year-old forward has been dealing with injuries and has appeared in just 18 games this season. In this time, he has scored six goals and picked up three points, raising his points tally to nine.

This sudden decision of entering the Player Assistance Program has hit the fans like a lightning bolt. Following this, the Finnish international released a statement.

Patrik Laine
Patrik Laine (Image via San Diego Union-Tribune)

Taking to his Instagram stories, he would thank the team for their support and informed he has taken this step to improve his mental health.

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 order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.
Patrik Laine on Instagram.

The Blue Jackets themselves released a statement regarding this development and offered their support to Laine in this tough phase. The team will be making no further comment on this situation out of respect for him.

Speaking of the team, the Blue Jackets are having a poor season and are currently bottom of the Metropolitan Division. Their record of 15-24-10 is the third worst in the league. The team will now have to rely on other attacking options in the future as Laine becomes unavailable for selection.

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