Fans, Teammate Rally Around Blue Jackets Patrik Laine After Podcaster's Comments On His Mental Health

Columbus Blue Jackets fans and players have rallied around forward Patrik Laine after a podcaster's remark making light of his mental health struggles.

Laine entered the NHL and NHLPA's player assistance program late last month. 

"I wanted to take a moment to address my need to step away from the game for a while," Laine said on Instagram at the time. "After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being."

Of course, well-being takes precedence over hockey, so hopefully Laine is getting the help he needs.

His absence does, of course, affect his team. That's what the hosts of the B&B Round Table were discussing when one of the hosts tried to shoehorn in a joke about the myriad of problems facing the team including Laine's absence.

The remark caught the attention of Laine himself who retweeted it with the comment, "This is just not okay."

The podcast has since apologized for the remark — and also taken down its account on X.

Laine has been open about his mental health and supported mental health causes in the past. This season, he launched a campaign called Laine Gives Back. For every point he records this season, Laine pledged to donate $1,000 to men's mental health initiatives.

Unfortunately, Laine suffered an injury in December and has only played in 18 games this season. That has kept his point total at 10.

Following this incident with the podcast, Blue Jackets fans made donations to the campaign, that effectively matched Laine's $10,000.

Furthermore, on Tuesday, Laine's teammate Johnny Gaudreau announced that he would take over for Laine and donate $1,000 for every point he scores as well.

Gaudreau has 35 points through 52 games this season.