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Adam Fantilli speculates Patrik Laine's exit was linked to Mike Babcock's controversial locker room antics
Patrik Laine's trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens has sparked some conversations. Adam Fantilli, a center for the Blue Jackets, shared his thoughts on the move in an episode of the "Dropping the Gloves" podcast that will air tomorrow.
In a teaser posted on X (formerly Twitter), Fantilli hinted that former coach Mike Babcock's locker room behavior might have influenced Laine's decision to leave.
Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets just before training camp. An NHLPA investigation found he asked players to show him personal photos from their cellphones, which entailed a breach of privacy. In 2023, the Blue Jackets management admitted the mistake in hiring Babcock and apologized to players and the public.
Nonetheless, Fantilli noted that the current Blue Jackets team enjoys a positive atmosphere.
"I don't really know. Because we have such a great group of guys in our locker room. We have a great time at the rink. Maybe stemming back to the beginning of the year with anything that could have happened with the previous coach that we had," he said.
"That's the only thing I can think about because our captains have done a great job with making it a very welcoming environment. At least I can speak to my experience, and nothing ever happened that I'm aware of to make him feel uncomfortable in the locker room."
The trade sent Laine and a 2026 second round pick from Columbus to Montreal in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
Don Waddell, who became the Columbus GM in May, allowed Laine and his agent to explore trade options. The Finnish winger's wish for a change was known within the organization, and Waddell was committed to finding a deal that satisfied everyone.
Laine’s time with the Blue Jackets was marred with injuries and personal struggles. He missed much of last season due to a broken clavicle and later sought help from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Also read: Ex-NHLers speak out on Mike Babcock’s "cruel" locker room antics
Juraj Slafkovsky excited for new season with Patrik Laine joining canadiens
Juraj Slafkovsky, the top pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, is excited about the upcoming season as Laine joins the Montreal Canadiens. Slafkovsky admired Laine when he was younger, and was happy to hear about the trade when he arrived in Prague.
“I’m excited about the season, especially with the Patrik Laine trade,” Slafkovsky said (via NHL.com). “It’s funny, during the summer you wonder how things are going to be throughout the year and who you’re going to play with and what your role is going to be, and I pretty much can’t wait to be there already and play."
Laine had success with the Winnipeg Jets but struggled during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Slafkovsky believes Montreal is a good place for Laine to restart his career. He looks forward to possibly playing with Laine, who has accumulated 388 points in 480 NHL games played.
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