Patrik Laine introduces mental health initiative

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been reinstated by the National Hockey League following a stint in the Player Assistance Program, which he explained was to focus more on his "mental health and well-being" in a prepared statement when the news of his being in the program was made public: 

"After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.

I am grateful for the understanding and support of my team, the league, and our fans during this time. I look forward to returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this time and for your continued support.

With love,
Patty"

And while his future in the NHL has yet to be decided considering he's the subject of swirling trade rumors, Laine and his fiancé Jordan Leigh have launched a special health initiative titled 'From Us To You". 

“A lot of you have reached out to us with your own personal mental health stories,” Laine explains in the video post. “Even more of you have expressed the value that comes from speaking out. We wanted to do something to continue the conversation.”

“It’s our hope that From Us to You can become a trusted support for information and mental health advocacy,” Laine’s fiancé said.

In 480 career NHL games since being selected 2nd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Draft, Laine has scored 204 goals and 388 points with the Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets. He missed most of last season after he entered the Player Assistance Program; he appeared in just 18 games, scoring six goals with three assists. 

Recommended articles:

• 3 realistic destinations for Patrik Laine in a trade.
• First look at Patrik Laine after Player Assistance Program.
• Patrik Laine has demanded a trade while he remains on player assistance program
• Valeri Nichushkin may be done in Colorado.
• NHL slaps Valeri Nichushkin with six-month suspension!