Patrik Laine received harsh comments from former Columbus Blue Jackets star after his comments about the team (Credits: IMAGN)

Former Columbus Blue Jackets player Mike Commodore criticized Patrik Laine for his comments about the team. Talking to the media after the Montreal Canadiens’ morning skate before the game against the Blue Jackets on Dec. 23, Laine talked about the reason behind asking for a trade out of Columbus. Laine claimed that the organization lacked commitment to winning and was stuck in a losing cycle.

Commodore said that the Blue Jackets hadn’t been a model franchise but called out Laine’s lack of self-awareness.

“Patrik Laine calling the Blue Jackets losers and not so many words too comfortable. Not Patrik Kane, Patrik Laine,” Commodore said on Monday. “I’m not going to argue with what he said, Maybe he’s right, I don’t know. I mean, the Blue Jackets haven’t been a model franchise over the years. Maybe they are too comfortable.”

Commodore then went on to mention that the team is overachieving this season despite facing challenges, including the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau, to an accident.

“But a couple things can he show a little self-awareness?” Commodore said. “Blue Jackets just went through an unspeakable tragedy with their best player and are playing pretty good, I would say, overachieving a touch.”

“Secondly, who do you think you are too comfortable? 80% of your career you’ve been underachieving, and you’re still in the NHL, and you want to talk about comfortable?”

He described Laine as a talented scorer who often underperforms.

“You’re a gifted goal scorer, that’s soft as baby, and hates going to the rink. The only victory I see in your horizon, if you can manage to play a full tournament, is a green jacket.” Commodore said.

Laine is now with the Montreal Canadiens after his trade in August and has scored eight power-play goals in twelve games since returning from injury. He was injured in a preseason game during a knee-on-knee with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare. However, he holds a minus-4 rating.

Patrik Laine’s comments that reignited his controversy with the Blue Jackets

Patrik Laine’s comments fueled tension, as both teams played each other at Nationwide Arena. However, despite Lane’s comments, the Blue Jackets performed better in the game and defeated the Canadiens 5-4. Laine did not get a chance to help the Canadiens much, as he was limited to 6:15 minutes of time on the ice.

“I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year.” Laine said via The Athletic, “I was tired of losing and just giving up when it’s December to start focusing on next year. I’m not going to do that. That’s frustrating as a player when you’re trying to win and some people are, you know, not like that.”

“They’re a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they’re at. It wasn’t really a fit for me anymore. But here (in Montreal), it doesn’t matter if we’re winning or losing, we’re always trying our best.” Laine added.

The Montreal Canadiens have lost only four games out of 12 since Patrik Laine joined the lineup. After their loss to Blue Jackets, they defeated the Florida Panthers with a 4-0 shutout and the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 5-2 win.