Patrik Laine gives reasoning behind his shocking departure from the NHL

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
January 29, 2024 (3:37 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The NHL season has been a wild ride thus far, with many shocking moments in just three months, and now, one of the biggest personalities in the league has stepped away from the NHL.

Laine takes a leave of absence

Over the weekend, it was announced that Patrik Laine of the Columbus Blue Jackets will be stepping away from the NHL indefinitely.

This had many fans worried about his health, and now, the star forward has come out and officially revealed the reason behind the move.

Dear fans and supporters,

I wanted to take a moment to address my need to step away from the game for a while. 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.

I am grateful for the understanding and support of my team, the league, and our fans during this time. I look forward to returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this time and for your continued support.

With love,
Patty

In his statement, Laine makes it clear that he is looking to take care of his mental health, and given the toll that being a professional athlete can take on a player, this is a good move for a player to prioritize his overall health.

At just 25-years of age, there will be plenty of time for Laine to get back to the NHL and contribute for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but for now he is taking a massive and difficult step to make sure he is right mentally, and this type of move should certainly be encouraged for all athletes.

As Read on MarkerZone - Laine Reveals the Real Reason for His Departure From the Blue Jackets