Patrik Laine Questions His Coach in Latest Interview

Frustration must be setting in, as the team has had virtually zero success this season, save a 5-2 win over Philadelphia last night. With the exception of Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski (out for the season), no one on the roster is really contributing. Patrik Laine, who signed a $35 million contract this summer, has accounted for 4 points through seven games played; just two goals.

In a recent interview with Finnish podcast Kimanttia, Laine offered a less than encouraging tidbit on head coach Brad Larsen and the team's approach to generating offense. Apparently, at a recent practice the team didn't take any shots on net, simply dumping pucks in and working on the forecheck.

It is evident that Laine's skillset is not that of a 'dump & chase' type of player, and his talents are underutilized in such a system. Obviously, it is wearing on the Finnish sniper.

Brad Larsen, who succeeded John Tortorella once his contract was up, has an NHL head coaching record of 41-47-7 through two seasons with Columbus; he served as an assistant since 2014 and has been with the club in a coaching role since 2010.

The Jackets are clearly in a rebuild, so perhaps this is the perfect time for him to be behind the bench. Now missing Zach Werenski, Jakub Voracek, and Nick Blankenburg each to long-term injuries, the Blue Jackets are a shoe-in for a top draft selection in this summer's draft. Which features several potential franchise-altering talents.