Here's why Patrik Laine left the match against the Columbus Blue Jackets
Patrik Laine's unexpected departure during the Montreal Canadiens' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets has sparked intense speculation about the circumstances of his absence.
As reported by Habs Fanatic, after the team announced an upper-body injury as the official reason for his removal, questions stayed about whether his departure was precautionary or a direct result of targeted physical play by his former teammates.
Patrik Laine played the first period without issue but did not return for the second, leaving fans and analysts questioning his condition.
Sources have suggested that Columbus players appeared to single him out for heavy physical contact throughout the game.
This intensity followed Laine's recent comments to The Athletic where he openly criticized the Blue Jackets' culture and revealed his trade request by citing frustration with a losing environment and an acceptance of mediocrity in the locker room.
Given the escalating physicality the analyst Renaud Lavoie speculated that Laine's absence may have been a precautionary measure.
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- Renaud Lavoie
However, Anthony Marcotte from BPM Sports assert that the Blue Jackets deliberately "sent a message" in response to his remarks.
The game reportedly saw Patrik Laine take several punishing hits and further fueling these claims.
As of now, there are no official updates on Laine's injury or a timeline for his return but the Canadiens fans hope for his quick recovery, as the forward has been a crucial piece of the team's top-six lineup.
The incident highlights the tension between Laine and his former team by making future matchups between the Canadiens and Blue Jackets all the more intriguing.
Here's hoping he's back on the ice soon, ready to prove his critics wrong.
