Patrik Laine has been a member of the Montreal Canadiens for almost a week.

During his press conference, he was eloquent on several topics, except those that led him to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

However, the new Blue Jackets GM, Don Waddell, touched on the subject during his appearance on TSN Overdrive.

Events in the locker room may have driven Patrik Laine to request a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to his former GM Don Waddell

Without elaborating on the reasons, Waddell mentioned that events in the locker room might have prompted the Finnish player to request a trade.

TSN Overdrive – Waddell on Laine’s trade request

«He was openly talking about it even before I took over that he no longer wanted to play for the Blue Jackets. I think there were several things happening in the locker room, and he just didn’t want any part of it.»

«He was openly talking about it even before I took over that he no longer wanted to play for the Blue Jackets. I think there were several things happening in the locker room, and he just didn’t want any part of it.»

– So said Waddell

This explanation leaves room for speculation. Does it have anything to do with the Mike Babcock situation? Is it related to his time in the NHL’s player assistance program?

Everything is still unclear, but at least we now know a little more about the reasons for this request. We also know that the GM was trying to accommodate his player, but it didn’t seem to be very easy.

The offer from the Canadiens appears to have been the best he received.

Hopefully, Laine can return to the player he once was. According to him, he can do it. When you hear him say he doesn’t want to be a 30-goal scorer but rather a 40-45 goal scorer, it’s very encouraging!