Patrik Laine requests a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets

It was intended that Johnny Gaudreau's contract signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets would mark the start of something truly special in Columbus. The Blue Jackets looked to be moving in the right direction as they began their rebuild. After only a few years, Columbus seems to be in worse shape than before.

Longtime general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen was let go by the Blue Jackets last season as the team struggled to win the championship. The fact that Head Coach Mike Babcock was fired by the Blue Jackets prior to him coaching a game because of some questionable off-ice behavior served as a prime example of this. When Patrik Laine signed up for the Players Assistance Program, the season took a further turn for the worst.

Now it appears after completing his time in the program that Laine has opted for a fresh start, at least according to Pierre LeBrun.

According to the report, Columbus has made the decision to honor the request and will look to find a move that will see Laine complete his current contract elsewhere. In all of this, the most important aspect of this is the mental and physical health of Laine as he looks to work his way back to the NHL.

Source: Blade of Steel
Another star player requests a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets