Patrik Laine reveals his reasons for leaving his team.

On Sunday, Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Patrik Laine made a stunning decision when he made the move to enter the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players Association's Player Assistance Program. The move put Laine on an indefinite leave of absence from the team, and did so under relatively mysterious circumstances.

Laine himself has however taken it upon himself to clear the air on the matter, and just moments ago he took to social media to share his reasons for stepping away from the team. Laine expressed that he needs to focus on his personal well being and mental health in order to once again be the best player he can be for his team.

Here is Laine's full statement, unedited and in full:

Dear fans and supporters,

I wanted to take a moment to address my need to step away from the game for a while. 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