'Patrik Laine given green light to come back from player support program, ready to don jackets again'
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine was given the green light to come back from the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program on Friday.
Laine joined the program on Jan. 28 after encountering a setback in his healing process from a broken collarbone, an injury he sustained during a game on Dec. 14 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell stated on Thursday that the team would consider all possibilities regarding Laine, who had previously requested a trade out of Columbus. Since Laine's last appearance, Waddell has taken over as GM and hired Dean Evason as the team's coach.
Also see this picks:
Minnesota vs. Los Angeles Rams Pick & Prediction OCT 24th 2024
Also see this picks:
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Kentucky Wildcats Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024
\"Patrik has made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer, he would like a new beginning somewhere else,\" Waddell told TSN 1050. \"Now, I cannot eliminate any options, even the possibility of returning here because it takes two teams to make a trade. If there is no trade that makes sense to us, then we have to face reality.
\"(Laine's agent) Andy Scott has reassured him multiple times that we will thoroughly examine all options and understand the situation. We are aware of Patrik's sentiments and if we can find the perfect fit, we will certainly pursue it. But if not, we will have to accept it.\"
Laine, 26, accumulated nine points (six goals, three assists) in 18 games last season.
In 480 regular-season games with the Jets (2016-21) and Blue Jackets, Laine has tallied 388 points (204 goals, 184 assists) since being chosen by Winnipeg with the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
