Laine talks trade request: Blue Jackets were too comfortable losing

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine will play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night for the first time since requesting a trade out of Ohio, and he said a losing culture within his former organization was a key reason he wanted a fresh start.

"They're a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they're at," Laine told The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "It wasn't really a fit for me anymore. 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 (in Columbus)."

Laine was traded to the Blue Jackets from the Winnipeg Jets during the 2020-21 season. In four seasons there, Columbus never finished higher than sixth in the division.

"I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year. 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."

Laine dealt with a collection of injuries with the Blue Jackets and enlisted in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program last season to work on his mental health.

"I had some ups and downs (in Columbus)," Laine said. "I don't want to get into that too much, but ... some things probably could have been handled better. Some things were great, some things were not so great.

"I'm having the time of my life here (in Montreal), so I probably don't want to get into that too much."

Columbus moved Laine to Montreal over the summer, and he's shined in his new environment after a delayed start because of a preseason knee injury. The 26-year-old has blasted eight goals in nine games with the Habs, all on the power play.

The Canadiens are 6-3-0 since Laine made his season debut. A win Monday would propel Montreal ahead of Columbus for 13th in the Eastern Conference.