Blue Jacket reportedly “listening” on Patrik Laine, who blasted former coach John Tortorella

The Finnish forward had some choice words for former coach John Tortorella.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 2 years ago
Blue Jacket reportedly “listening” on Patrik Laine, who blasted former coach John Tortorella
Yahoo

Needless to say, it wasn't the season that the former 2nd overall NHL Draft pick of 2016 envisioned. 

The disgruntled forward was traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he often clashed with hard-nosed head coach John Tortorella and posted the worst numbers of his career, including a plus/minus rating of –29 and only 10 goals in 45 games (an 82 game pace of 18). 

And according to a recent interview, Laine blames Tortorella for his low offensive output. 

“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 Tuesday with Finnish media outlet Aamulehti. 

The good news for Laine is that Tortorella is no longer the bench boss in Columbus, as the Jackets decided not to retain their most successful coach in team history. And while reports indicate that Laine would be open to a Columbus return, another report from Frank Seravalli indicate that the Jackets are "listening" to offers on the Finnish forward. 

He writes: 

"In the last 36 hours, multiple sources told me the Blue Jackets also gauging the market on Patrik Laine.

Laine, 23, can become a restricted free agent (with arbitration rights) on July 28. He was acquired, along with Jack Roslovic, from Winnipeg for Pierre-Luc Dubois earlier in the season. The hope was he’d reelevate his game after a change of scenery and return to being one of the best young snipers in the league. The Blue Jackets are still hopeful, but they’re also keeping their options open in the event contract negotiations, which haven’t started yet, go sideways.

Several teams had interest in Laine before he was dealt to Columbus. The Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers expressed interest in the past and could circle back again this month.

Laine, in an interview Tuesday with Finnish media outlet Aamulehti, said he “completely turned off” his hockey switch since his rough season ended. He needs to recharge and regroup ahead of next season.

In comments translated by NHL.com, Laine also said he hopes to stay in Columbus, “but you can never be sure what happens. I got traded once."

Laine has scored 150 goals with 121 assists in 351 career games.