In a move raising eyebrows, rookie head coach Pascal Vincent appears set on delivering a message to one of his star players, though the reception of this message remains uncertain.
Currently in the second year of a $8.7 million per season, 4-year deal, Laine has only managed 2 goals and 1 assist in 9 games, sporting a concerning -6 plus-minus rating. Whether this benching is a strategic move or a gesture for personal recovery, with Laine mourning his father's passing earlier in the day, remains uncertain. What is definite, however, is Laine's absence from the ice this evening.