Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine has opened up about the recent chapter in his life that had him close to quitting hockey as he fought depression and injuries.
Speaking on Tuesday's episode of the "Spittin’ Chiclets" podcast, the 25-year-old winger shared how his mental health struggles escalated to the point where he questioned his future in the sport.
“I remember a couple of times that I’m like, 'I’m done playing'. Like, I’m not going to come back, I'm not going to play again,” Laine said. "And then I ended up coming back, and I probably shouldn't have at the time.
"I think I should have taken the time."
Laine's struggles began in Dec. 2023 when he fractured his clavicle and was forced to miss most of the 2023-24 season. Shortly after that, he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assitance Program and he didn't play again during the remainder of the season.
Laine appeared in just 18 games in the 2023–24 season while still a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets before his Dec. 14 injury. By Jan. 28, he sought help through the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Then, on Aug. 19, the Canadiens traded for him. However, a preseason knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs' Cedric Pare further complicated his recovery and mental state, forcing him to miss time at the start of this season.
“It just started kind of going downhill and got to that point where I was so depressed and just couldn’t function anymore,” Laine said. “But now I'm better than ever and happy to be playing again and overall healthy.
"So it's been great."
Now with the Montreal Canadiens, Laine has found his stride again. In 22 games this season, Laine has recorded 12 goals and notched six assists for 18 total points.
Off the ice, Laine and his fiancée, Jordan Leigh, launched their mental health initiative, "From Us to You," on Oct. 16.
