Craig Button goes berserk while ripping into Columbus Blue Jackets organization - "They've been a game on a schedule"

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 23, 2024 05:30 GMT

On Thursday's episode of The Sick Podcast, hockey analyst Craig Button shared his frustration with the Columbus Blue Jackets management. Talking with host Tony Marinaro, Button criticized the team's handling of star player Patrik Laine and their overall performance. Button acknowledged Laine's skill and efforts to improve.

"You're looking at a player (Patrik Laine) that has a tremendous skill set, and he's also acknowledged that he needed some help in whatever he was trying to address," Button said.

However, he quickly shifted focus to the Blue Jackets' management, expressing his disappointment.

"I'm tired of hearing about players with 'bad attitudes.' The real issue is Columbus's management and ownership," Button said.

He pointed to the team's poor decisions, including hiring Mike Babcock last summer, as examples of their struggles.

"You know who you couldn't win with? The Columbus Blue Jackets and the mess of a management and ownership they've had for years." Button said.

"They had Mike Babcock last summer. Give me a break! Players should be going, 'I don't think I can win in Columbus with this group.' Why do you think Don Waddell is the new GM? It's a joke."

Button argued that players should question if they can win in Columbus under the current leadership.

"I'd love for a player to say, "I don't think I can win here with this coaching, this management, or this ownership." What has Columbus been in this league? They've been a game on the schedule, and that's all they've ever been since they entered the league in 2000."

Button's criticism reflects the growing frustration with the Blue Jackets' inability to find consistent success.

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Montreal Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Montreal Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round pick from Columbus in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.

Patrik Laine, with two years left on his $8.7 million contract, requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. New GM Don Waddell approved the trade. Laine was cleared to return by the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program. Injuries have limited his performance since joining Columbus in 2020. Last season, he played only 18 games, scoring six goals and nine points.

Laine was more successful with the Winnipeg Jets, scoring 28+ goals in each of his first four seasons. He hasn’t surpassed 26 goals with Columbus, though. Overall, Laine has 204 goals and 388 points in 480 career games.