Patrik Laine reportedly “mouthed off” to an assistant coach before his benching in Monday’s win over the Carolina Hurricanes, according to Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic independently verified Hedger’s reporting, writing that Laine “verbally disrespected” a member of the coaching staff.
Laine was benched for the final 26 minutes of Monday’s game but no reason was given by the team. In his post-game availability, head coach John Tortorella said the situation was “gonna stay in house.”
“It wasn’t because of the missed assignment,” Tortorella added. “There’s a number of things that come into play with that. That will stay in the locker room. It’s what I feel I need to do. … Honestly, that’s the last thing I want to do but if I think I need to do it then I need to do it.”
Laine has yet to comment on the benching.
The benching is notable as this isn’t the first time Tortorella has resorted to this tactic this season. In January, disgruntled centre Pierre-Luc Dubois was benched after only five shifts in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dubois was traded to Winnipeg 48 hours later in the blockbuster that saw Laine and Jack Roslovic join Columbus.
In four games with the Blue Jackets, Laine has lived up to the expectations as a player brought in to drive the offence. He has three goals — including one on the power play — in those four games.
