Laine has not played a game since fracturing his clavicle in December. He has fought through a number of injuries and healthy scratches this year, his fourth with the Blue Jackets and second since he signed his 2022 contract, which has allowed him to only play 18 games in 2023-2024. He has 6 goals and 3 assists in those games.
This situation highlights the fact that while professional athletes seem like superhumans, they are regular people who need help somtimes and the NHLPA has set up the Player Assistance Program to provide support to players in need.
