The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Sunday afternoon that forward Patrik Laine has applied to enter the NHL Player Assistance Program.
“He will be unavailable for the club for an indefinite period while he receives treatment,” the team explained. Under the terms of the joint NHL-Players’ Association program, he will return to the club when program administrators clear him to play on the ice. »
“Patrik has our full support and our only concern is his well-being,” added Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. Out of respect for Patrik, we will not make any further comments. »
Laine, once a prolific scorer, is currently having a very difficult season. He only has 6 goals and 3 assists in 18 games. He missed his team’s last 17 games due to a broken left collarbone.
The 25-year-old Finn has admitted to having struggled with mental health at times during his professional career. In October, he pledged to donate $1,000 for every point earned this season to OhioHealth for mental health resources and support in the Columbus area.
He is the third player this season to participate in the NHL and NHLPA program, joining Colorado’s Samuel Girard in November and Avalanche teammate Valeri Nichushkin this month.
Girard, who has opened up about the anxiety and depression that led to his alcohol abuse, was away from hockey for about a month. He returned to training in November and played his first match on New Year’s Eve.