Zach Werenski delivers brutally honest take on Patrik Laine's damning comments about Columbus Blue Jackets players

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 24, 2024 05:03 GMT

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Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski addressed Patrik Laine’s comments about the Columbus Blue Jackets. After playing against the Montreal Canadiens, Werenski called Laine’s remarks “unacceptable.” Laine, now with the Canadiens, had criticized the Blue Jackets, saying he was frustrated with losing and his teammates’ lack of effort.

“I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year," Laine said (via sportsnet). 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."

Werenski, the Blue Jackets’ alternate captain, defended the team and said they had always supported Laine.

"We were nothing but good teammates to him, nothing but good friends to him," Werenski said. For him to bash us like that, I think it's just unacceptable."

He added that Laine’s words felt disrespectful to those who had supported him.

"For him to come in here and say all that, that's bullsh*t. Definitely not happy about it and none of us in this room are happy about it," Werenski said. "That speaks more about him than it does us."

The Montreal Canadiens have 14 wins, 17 losses, and 3 overtime losses this season. They were on a three-game winning streak before losing to the Blue Jackets on Monday night. Patrik Laine contributed by scoring five goals in the winning streak and was named the NHL's third star of the week.

Zach Werenski calls Patrik Laine's comments 'pretty ridiculous' and addresses his early exit from game

Patrik Laine, who joined Montreal in a trade during the offseason, shared his frustrations earlier in the day. He said the Blue Jackets lacked ambition and seemed too comfortable with losing.

“They’re a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they’re at. It wasn’t really a fit for me anymore," Laine said before the game (via NYT). But here (in Montreal), it doesn’t matter if we’re winning or losing, we’re always trying our best. That’s what I felt about it (the Columbus situation)."

Werenski did not agree with Laine’s comments and said they motivated the team.

"What’s he thinking saying that? It’s just incredible," Werenski said.

He also addressed Laine leaving the game after taking a few hits:

"I hope he's all right. I just thought that (the comments) was pretty ridiculous, to be honest"

Patrik Laine had struggled with injuries and personal challenges during his time in Columbus. He admitted to ups and downs and said some things could have been handled better. However, Werenski made it clear that the team had supported him.