Nikolaj Ehlers Emotional After Losing Best Friend Patrik Laine Via Trade

It was only a few weeks ago Patrik Laine called his then teammate, Nikolaj Ehlers, a "pigeon" during a press conference. Their playful banter on camera is just a snippet of what we can assume is a strong friendship behind the scenes.

Fans and media members often see the game of hockey as entertainment, but the players experience the game as a lifestyle and a business. Unfortunately, as Ehlers explains, the trading of Patrik Laine, his best friend, is a downfall of the business side of hockey.

We were roommates together on the first road trip. We've been brothers since day one. This is tough, this is not much fun. Like I said, it's a part of the business. It's the way it goes.

Many NHL'ers from different teams are good friends and there's no reason Ehlers and Laine won't remain close, but losing a close friend and teammate who is present all the time must certainly be difficult. Ehlers appears to be understanding of the situation and is a true professional.

Emotional Ehlers, Wheeler on Laine trade: 'This is tough, this is not much fun' https://t.co/P7jQg0kD5f
— Hockey Talk ❇️ (@HockeyTalkNews) January 26, 2021