Patrik Laine calls out top superstars, including McDavid, Matthews and Crosby

Blue Jackets top forward Patrik Laine refuses to “kiss everybody’s ass” and believes he can measure up with the likes of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Sidney Crosby as he transitions to playing center in Columbus. When asked by Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch if he believes he can keep up with with these NHL superstars, Laine wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.

“I’m not going to start kissing everybody’s ass or pumping everybody’s tires. I know I can compete with those guys and that’s why I want to do this in the first place.”

Laine becomes the Blue Jackets’ first-line center to start the season after playing the vast majority of his career on the wing. Veteran Boone Jenner and rookie Adam Fantilli will also be down the middle, though that’s about it when it comes to depth at center in Columbus.

Despite performing well offensively, putting up 22 goals and 30 assists in just 55 games last season, Laine struggled defensively and has never been the best at the faceoff circle throughout his seven career campaigns.

It will be interesting to see how he competes down the middle, but especially how he compares to McDavid, MacKinnon, Matthews and Crosby.

Laine is taking no prisoners and is confident he can measure up with the top stars in the league. Now he needs to put his money where his mouth is!

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