Cam Atkinson says Laine knows what he did; describes Torts' process for benching players

The big story in the hockey world right now is the benching of Patrik Laine by Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella just four games after he was traded there. Totorella didn't have a lot to say about it other than benching a player is the "last thing I want to do" and the reasons behind it would stay in the locker room. Cam Atkinson, who's been playing under Tortorella since the 2015-16 season, said it's to be expected if you aren't pulling your weight, and it doesn't matter what your name is or how much money you make.

"Torts expects us to play as hard as we can," said Atkinson following Monday night's game where Laine didn't play a single shift after 6:19 of the second period. "It doesn't matter who you are, and I think everyone knows that. If you're not giving 100 percent and looking like you're trying, he's going to sit you. It's no secret. That goes for everybody, myself included. I've been that guy plenty of times."

While Tortorella would not tell reporters exactly what led to Laine's benching, Atkinson said Laine is well aware of what it was.

"I sit next to him in the locker room, so we've chatted," Atkinson said. "We're a pretty open group. He knows [what he did wrong]. He'll be the first to admit it. He just has to be better, plain and simple, and he knows it. Expect him to have a big game next game. That's what we have to. Whether you're a new guy or an old guy, we have to hold each other accountable. It doesn't matter who you are or where you play. We have to all buy in."

While Tortorella's reasoning behind benching Laine might be 100 percent legitimate, the issue here is the team just went through a messy break-up with rising star Pierre-Luc Dubois and it certainly seems as though his relationship with Tortorella was a main reason for him asking to be traded. Laine becomes a restricted free agent at the end of this season. While the Blue Jackets hold his rights, signing a disgruntled player, especially one with the star power of Laine, can become a difficult task. We'll have to wait and see what happens throughout this season and whether Laine decides he's ok with continuing to play under Torts.

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