Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has addressed comments made by former teammate Patrik Laine, who expressed frustration about the team's struggles during his time there. Laine had shared that he was "tired of losing," and Werenski provided his perspective on the situation. Credit: @FanDuelSN CBUS
Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski did not mince words after his team’s narrow 5-4 victory on Monday when addressing controversial comments made by former teammate Patrik Laine earlier in the day.
Laine, who now plays for the Montreal Canadiens, made his first return to Columbus since being traded. During a morning skate interview, he expressed frustration about his time with the Blue Jackets. “It felt like the same thing over and over, year after year. I got tired of losing and just giving up in December to focus on the next year,” Laine told The Athletic. He also claimed some players in Columbus were “too comfortable” and lacked a winning mentality, adding, “It wasn’t a fit for me anymore.”
These remarks didn’t sit well with Werenski, a nine-year veteran of the Blue Jackets. After the game, he didn’t shy away from calling out Laine’s comments. “For him to bash us like that, it’s just unacceptable,” Werenski said. “We were good teammates to him. For him to say that about us is bulls---. None of us in this room are happy about it.”
Werenski also suggested that Laine’s words fueled the team’s effort during the game. “What’s he thinking saying that? It’s just incredible,” he remarked, noting the squad found extra motivation to perform well after hearing the comments. However, he concluded, “I’ve got no more time for that. I hope he’s all right, but that was pretty ridiculous.”
Laine’s return to Columbus wasn’t warmly received. The crowd booed him the moment he touched the puck, and unlike the typical practice for returning players, the Blue Jackets did not produce a tribute video for him. His night ended early after he left the game following the first period, logging just 6:15 of ice time without scoring.
In contrast, Werenski shone on the ice, racking up three assists and taking seven shots on goal during an impressive 28:11 of ice time.
The two teams won’t face off again this season, leaving this tense chapter unresolved until next year.
