When the Blue Jackets traded Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-rounder to Winnipeg in exchange for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic, it seemed as if the drama would subside.
Roslovic has been outstanding, and Laine has three goals in his first four games with the Blue Jackets.
Unfortunately, the drama has returned.
Tonight, Laine was the latest Blue Jacket to be benched by John Tortorella. Dean Kukan was also benched for a large portion against the Hurricanes, and we all remember Dubois' benching earlier this season.
The Finnish winger did not see the ice for the final 26 minutes and 19 seconds of the contest, a 3-2 Blue Jackets victory that saw Roslovic score the game-winning goal with a beautiful deke and finish.
MR. ROSLOVIC. HOW DO YOU DO. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/vPeJBdDvTe
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 9, 2021
Tortorella would not elaborate on the reasoning behind the benching: "That's going to stay in-house." He contuined, "it wasn't just because of the missed assignment (on Brock McGinn's game-tying goal.) There are a number of things that come into play with that."
On McGinn's game-tying goal, the Carolina forward found himself wide open to convert a rebound from Joonas Korpisalo, but it wasn't fully Laine's fault. Roslovic and David Savard were covering the same man.
2-2
— Alison (@AlisonL) February 9, 2021
McGinn had a wide open net in front of him, and doesnt miss the finish. #Canes #CBJ pic.twitter.com/djsDjI4NB6
"It what I feel I need to do. The last thing I want to do is bench a player," said Tortorella. "I am sure [Patrik] and I will talk...it's part of a process of understanding our team concept, how we do things here, the discipline of being a pro, all that stuff comes into play."
Cam Atkinson, who scored the Blue Jackets' second goal on a penalty shot, also talked about the benching: "Torts expects us to play as hard as we can. It doesn't matter who you are, and I think everyone knows that. If you're not giving 100% and looking like you're trying he's going to sit you."
Roslovic had a prediction for next game: "I know [Laine]'s going to be one of the best players next game, if not the best."
Tortorella has produced results in Columbus, but they have come with their fair share of controversy. With Laine's contract expiring after the season, the Blue Jackets will need to do everything they can to ensure the star winger stays in Columbus.
