Patrik Laine and his agency criticized an insensitive comment about suicide made on a podcast Monday in reference to the Columbus Blue Jackets forward, who is currently receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
posted to social media Tuesday, said it was disappointed in the 鈥渞eprehensible remark鈥 about Laine being away from the team because he was contemplating a 鈥淩emington retirement,鈥 which refers to suicide.
of his own, replied to a video including the comment, saying, 鈥淭his is just not OK.鈥
Members of the podcast, the B&B Round Table, posted a video apologizing to Laine.
鈥淲hile we appreciate the podcast's apology for their remarks, words have consequences," Octagon said. 鈥淪uicide is not a punchline. We remain steadfast in our condemnation of such language and continue to advocate for mental health awareness.
"Patrik's commitment to promoting mental well-being stands strong.鈥
Laine had opened up about his mental health long before going into the assistance program last month.
鈥淎fter careful consideration and discussion with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being,鈥 Laine said on Instagram when entering the program. 鈥淗ockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.鈥
Laine, a 25-year-old from Finland, hasn鈥檛 played since breaking his left clavicle during a game in mid-December. Because of injury, he has been limited to 18 games and recorded six goals and three assists.
The second pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by Winnipeg, Laine is in his third full season with the Blue Jackets, who acquired him in in 2021. He has 212 goals and 191 assists in 504 career regular-season and playoff games.
Laine is one of four players this season announced in the program by the NHL and NHLPA, along with and and .
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