Patrik Laine's interesting return to Columbus

It was far from a feel-good return to Columbus for former Blue Jacket-turned Montreal Canadien Patrik Laine.

Known for his goalscoring and overall brilliant offensive mind, Laine is a constant threat when he has the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. But for whatever reason, it just didn't work out for the big Finn in Columbus. That Pierre-Luc Dubois - Patrik Laine trade has unfolded in quite a way, I must say.

Laine played 1674 games with the Blue Jackets, amassing 64 goals and 74 assists. During his brief four seasons with Columbus, the Jackets didn't make the playoffs. Adding to the frustration were injury troubles and a stint with the league's player's assistance program.

It's pretty clear that Laine just wants to move on, but isn't about to let the Blue Jackets fans who have negative comments affect him. He always appears to have this chip on his shoulder; something that just pushes him to be better and expect more from himself. The comments about Columbus had to have come from a place of confidence, otherwise, he wouldn't have brought them up to embarrass himself.

I can't say for sure whether Laine was referencing the Blue Jackets' on-ice team, or if he felt that management wasn't doing enough to be successful. Zach Werenski, the club's number one defenceman took offence to Laine's comments, interpreting them as a shot at the players' effort level. I'm not so sure that is what he meant, but without knowing all the details internally I can't fault Werenski for defending his team.

If anything this just adds a layer to the next time the Blue Jackets and Habs clash, from the Arber Xhekaj-Mathieu Olivier fight, to the Cole Caufield-Johnny Gaudreau friendship and now this. What once was just another game on the calendar seems to be gaining some added storylines. I don't think that Laine and Werenski will fight, but I do think that guys like Jayden Struble, Josh Anderson and Xhekaj will be on the lookout for anybody targeting Laine.

Laine's comments certainly added fuel to the fire before it was even started, but for him to have to leave the game early because he is being targeted, that's a tough look on the Blue Jackets overall. Hockey has a way of letting things get settled on the ice, and you never know what to expect. Perhaps Laine nets a hat trick, or Werenski fights somebody bigger than Brendan Gallagher.

Laine's status

Laine left the game after taking a few big bumps, and the hit where Dimitri Voronkov delivered a reverse hit jammed him up pretty good. I can't pin point which hit was the one that knocked Laine out of the game, but he did take a bit of a beating. Warranted or not, the Blue Jackets were none too happy and their play reflected that.

Now, what's done is done, but Laine's status is still curious. The guy worked his tail off to battle back and start the season with the Habs, but a freak preseason play derailed his plans. Now, only 10 games into his season with the Canadiens, he is hurt again,

With little news about what happened, I don't expect Laine to be out for very long. I think it was more than just a precautionary decision to avoid serious injury. He tweaked something and was forced out, lets just hope it's nothing serious. Perhaps a fight is in the cards for the next matchup.