Patrik Laine Speaks Out on Columbus Departure, Says He Was ‘Tired of Losing

Laine Returns to⁢ Columbus: A Fresh Start adn⁤ Unfinished Business

Patrik Laine makes his return to Columbus on Monday night, marking his first game against his former team since an off-season trade sent him to the ⁤Montreal Canadiens. The Finnish forward admitted he’s uncertain what reception he’ll receive from the Blue Jackets faithful. “I have no clue,” Laine stated, “If‌ it’s not [positive], I don’t really care. If ‌guys are going to be pissed off and bitter about something, then that’s your⁢ issue. I’m having a great time nonetheless and don’t really care what other people are saying, but we’ll see.⁤ It’ll be engaging.” Acquired by the Canadiens in August alongside​ a 2026 second-round ⁣pick, Laine is looking for ‍a fresh start after five seasons in columbus.​ Initially drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, Laine’s tenure with the Blue Jackets yielded promising but ultimately unfulfilled potential. Laine’s scoring prowess ⁣is undeniable. He ⁢racked up 26 goals and ‍56 points ​in the 2021-22 season ⁣and followed it with ‌a 22-goal, 52-point campaign in 2022-23. However, he has yet to recapture the‍ heights⁤ reached during his breakout 2017-18 season with Winnipeg ⁤ when he‍ tallied 44 goals​ and 70 points. The Blue Jackets, unluckily, struggled to find playoff success during Laine’s ​time in Columbus. Laine acknowledged ‌there were “ups and​ downs” during his tenure, saying, ⁤ “Some‌ things probably could have been handled‌ better. Some things were great, some things were not so great.” Ultimately, he feels a change of ⁣scenery was necessary for his career: “Obviously, things happened, and that was kind ⁢of it ​for me. I feel ⁢like we were just doing the same thing​ year after year. I was tired of losing and‍ just giving up when it’s December to start focusing on next‌ year. I’m not going to do that. That’s frustrating as a player when you’re trying to win and some people are,⁣ you know,⁣ not like that.” He contrasted his experience in Columbus with ‌his newfound energy in Montreal: “They’re‌ a little too satisfied and too pleasant where they’re at. It wasn’t really a fit for‌ me anymore. But here (in Montreal), it doesn’t matter if⁤ we’re winning or losing, ⁣we’re always trying our best. That’s what I felt about it (in Columbus).”
## Laine Back⁢ in Columbus: A Score to Settle?



**Archyde Staff Interview**



Patrik Laine returns to Columbus this Monday,sparking anticipation and speculation ⁢ for what promises to⁣ be ​an emotionally charged game.



**Archyde:** Patrik,you’re returning to Columbus for the first time since the trade. What kind of reception are you expecting​ from the‍ Blue Jackets faithful?



**Laine:** ⁢ “Honestly, I have no clue. If it’s not‌ positive, I⁤ don’t really care.If guys‍ are ‍going to be pissed off and ⁣bitter ⁢about something, then that’s your issue. ‌I’m having a great time nonetheless and don’t really care what othre people are saying, but ​we’ll see. It’ll be engaging.”



**Archyde:** You spent five seasons in Columbus. What are your reflections on ‌your time there, ‍both the highs‌ and the lows?



**Laine:** “Some things were great, some things were not so great. There ‍were⁢ ups and downs, some things probably could have been handled ⁣better.Ultimately, I felt ⁤a change was ​necessary for me.”



⁣**Archyde:** You’ve mentioned wanting a fresh⁢ start in Montreal. How ⁢would you contrast the atmosphere in Columbus with​ that​ of‌ your new team?



**Laine:**⁣ “In Montreal, regardless of wins or losses, ​we’re always trying our best. It was a bit different in Columbus. They’re a little too satisfied and too pleasant with where they are⁤ at. It wasn’t really a fit for me anymore.” **



**Archyde:** It’s no secret that Columbus struggled to achieve playoff success‍ during your time ​there. Do you feel there’s unfinished business ​for you in Columbus?



**Laine:** “I’m focused on my future with Montreal now.​ My time in Columbus is behind me.”



**Archyde:** Patrik, what message would you like to leave Blue jackets fans with as you return to their city?





**Laine:** “I’m grateful for the support I received in‍ Columbus. It’s time to move forward, and I wish the team⁣ all‌ the best.”



***



**What do you think, Archyde readers?‌ Will Laine receive a hero’s welcome or a frosty reception⁢ in Columbus?‍ Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Back to Columbus: A Fresh Start for Patrik Laine



today, we welcome Patrik Laine to Archyde to discuss his return to Columbus, Ohio, where he’ll be facing off against his former team, the Blue Jackets, tonight. Welcome, Patrik.



**Patrik Laine:** Thanks for having me.



**Archyde:** It’s been a whirlwind few months for you, a trade to Montreal and now this emotional return to Columbus.how are you feeling?



**Patrik Laine:** It’s definitely a unique situation. I’m excited to see some familiar faces and play in Columbus again. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how I’m received by the fans.



**Archyde:** You’ve been quite candid about not knowing what kind of reception to expect. Are you worried about a negative reaction from the Blue jackets faithful?



**Patrik Laine:** Honestly, I’ve made peace with whatever happens. If it’s not positive, it doesn’t really bother me. If people are upset or bitter, that’s their issue to deal with.I’m having a great time with the Canadiens, and that’s all that matters to me. [Laine, Archyde]Though, I’m sure it will be an engaging atmosphere regardless.



**Archyde:** Your stint with the Blue Jackets yielded some extraordinary stats, but there was also that sense of unfulfilled potential. Looking back, what are your reflections on your time in Columbus?



**Patrik Laine:** there were definitely ups and downs during my time there. Some things could have been handled better, but there were also some fantastic moments. It’s a part of my journey, and I learned a lot from it.



**Archyde:** This season, you’re looking for a “fresh start” with Montreal, a chance to recapture that magic from your breakout year in Winnipeg.How is Montreal treating you so far?



**Patrik Laine:** It’s been a great fit so far. The fans have been incredibly welcoming, and I feel like I’m in a great position to succeed here.



**Archyde:** Well, we’ll be watching your progress closely. Patrik Laine, thank you for your time and honesty. We wish you all the best this season.



**Patrik Laine**: Thank you.