Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Patrik Laine. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine addresses slow start to 2023-24

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Hunter Crowther | Last updated 10/19/23

Professional athletes can be their own harshest critics. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is no different.

Laine is playing center this year after spending the first seven seasons of his career on the wing. So far, he’s won 42.1 percent of his faceoffs. Despite having a goal and an assist through three games, Laine was pretty critical of his own play to start the season.

#CBJ Patrik Laine gets in these moods. He self-immolated a few times this morning. Here's the most complete answer: pic.twitter.com/YMZRyXv0ef

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 19, 2023

“I feel like it’s overall been pretty awful, pretty awful so far,” Laine said, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline. “Can’t hit the net if my life depends on it. Can’t make any plays. Can’t win a faceoff.

“Right now for 2-9 (his sweater number) there’s a lot of work,” he continued. “But that’s why we’re here, trying to figure it out and trying to get better. Good thing it’s a long season.”

Laine and the Blue Jackets are 1-2-0 through their first three games this season. Their next game is Friday night at home against the Calgary Flames.

Laine had 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 55 games through 2022-23.

Laine was drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets. He was the runner-up for the Calder Trophy after scoring 36 goals in his rookie season, losing to Maple Leafs’ forward Auston Matthews.

He scored a career-high 44 goals in his second season, following that up with 30 in 2018-19. However, he hasn’t hit the 30-goal mark since then. After being traded to the Blue Jackets in January 2021, the most goals he’s scored in a season was 26 in 2021-22.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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