Patrik Laine is enrolled in a support program

Updated 2024-01-29 22.28 | Published 2024-01-28 19.42

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Patrik Laine, 25, will be out of the ice indefinitely.

The Columbus forward has been enrolled in the NHL’s support program.

“I have realized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being” writes Laine on Instagram.

Patrik Laine has been injured and only played 18 NHL games this season.

Now there will be further absences even though he will soon be injury-free, announces Columbus Blue Jackets.

Laine has been entered into the players’ union’s support program and will be unavailable for play indefinitely.

– Patrik has our full support and the only thing we care about is his well-being, says Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

– Out of respect for Patrik, we will not give any further comments.

Prioritizes health

The support program exists to help players and their families deal with health problems, including substance abuse.

The night before Monday, Swedish time, Laine spoke on Instagram.

“After careful consideration and discussions with the people around me and with the team, I have realized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have realized that I need to take time to focus on myself in order to perform at my best”, writes the Finn.

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fullscreen Patrik Laine. Photo: Derik Hamilton/AP

Injured by two Swedes

Laine has six goals and three assists in 18 games this season.

He missed several weeks of play after being elbowed by Rasmus Andersson and not long after, he broke his collarbone.

Then it was another Swede, Toronto’s William Lagesson, who injured Laine in mid-December.