Blue Jackets Make Decision on Patrik Laine After Taking Dirty Hit

After taking a dirty hit at the final buzzer on Friday night, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has now been placed on injured reserve as a result of the injuries suffered from the blow.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed forward Patrik Laine on Injured Reserve retroactive to October 20 and have recalled forward Dmitri Voronkov from the @monstershockey.

📝https://t.co/s4tBLSUXb0@RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/RKTnqL7Jtn

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 23, 2023

Laine took a heavy hit to his head area from Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson as time expired in a Flames 3-1 loss to Columbus. Andersson was served a four-game suspension for the illegal hit, but the NHLPA has since filed an appeal of the ban on his behalf (and you just have to wonder how Laine feels about that...).

I understand how the process works…but the optics of the NHLPA, who also represents Laine, appealing a dirty hit against him is just confusing.

Take the 4 games and be better next time. Simple as that. https://t.co/dNWN3G2Oj8

— Nasher (@TheNasher61) October 22, 2023

Laine, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, is listed as day-to-day with the upper-body injury, but his being placed on IR indicates it'll more than a day or two. 

He's eligible to be activated as early as October 27. He's already missed one game, and now will miss at least two more. 

The Jackets recalled forward Dmitri Voronkov from the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL to replace Laine on the roster.

Photo: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports