Laine returned to Columbus for the first time since being traded to the Montreal Canadiens and had some blunt words about his former team when he spoke after a morning skate.
“Obviously, things happened, and that was it for me,” Laine told The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline early Monday. “I feel like we were doing the same thing year after year. I was tired of losing and giving up when December comes around to start focusing on next year. I’m not going to do that. It’s frustrating as a player when you’re trying to win and some people, you know, aren’t like that.
“They’re too satisfied and too comfortable where they are. It really wasn’t right for me anymore. But here (in Montreal), it doesn’t matter if we win or lose, we always do the best we can. That’s how I felt about it (in Columbus).”
Well, the Blue Jackets found out and weren’t thrilled, to say the least, with his assessment of his former teammates.
“To him we were nothing but good teammates,” Werenski continued, per Portzline. “For him to come in and say all that, that’s bullshit… He’s definitely not happy about it and none of us in this room are happy about it. That speaks more about him than it does about us.”
The nine-year Blue Jacket admitted that Laine’s comments added a little fire under his feet to go out and play a strong game.
“What is he thinking saying that? It’s just unbelievable,” Werenski said after agreeing that there was some extra motivation in the lineup. “I don’t have time for it anymore. I don’t want to talk about Patty anymore. I hope she’s OK. To be honest, I thought it was pretty ridiculous.”
Laine didn’t exactly receive the warmest welcome upon his return to Columbus. He was serenaded with boos on his first touch of the puck of the night and the Blue Jackets, for whom Laine played roles for four seasons, did not produce a regular tribute video.
The 26-year-old Canadian left the game after the first period and was held scoreless in his 6:15 of ice time.
Werenski, however, finished with three assists and seven shots on goal in 28:11 of ice time.
The two teams will have to wait until next year to resolve this dispute — they will not meet again for the remainder of this regular season.