Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the league announced on Sunday. Laine will be away from the club for an undetermined amount of time as he seeks support for undisclosed personal matters.

The NHL and the Blue Jackets have chosen not to disclose the specific reasons for Laine's entry into the program, which provides assistance to players and their families in dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and other related issues. Laine will continue to receive his salary during his time in the program, but he must first be cleared by the program before he can rejoin the team.

Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen expressed full support for Laine, emphasizing that the team's primary concern is the player's well-being. Kekalainen stated, "Patrik has our complete support, and our sole concern is his well-being. Out of respect for Patrik, we will have no further comment."

Laine has been sidelined from the Blue Jackets' lineup since suffering a fractured clavicle on December 14, 2022, during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although he joined the team for their recent road trip, Laine subsequently left the club last week, according to club sources. Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent mistakenly mentioned a "setback with his injury" when discussing Laine's situation, but it was later clarified that this was not accurate.

Since his trade from the Winnipeg Jets on January 23, 2021, Laine has missed a total of 89 games due to personal matters or injuries. In his 174 games with the Blue Jackets, he has contributed 64 goals, 74 assists, and holds a minus-58 rating.

Laine, 25 years old, becomes the second member of the Blue Jackets to enter the NHL player assistance program in recent seasons. Winger Alexander Texier previously entered the program during the 2021-2022 season and spent the subsequent season playing in Switzerland before returning to the NHL this season.

Further details surrounding Laine's situation remain undisclosed, and the Blue Jackets organization will respect his privacy throughout this process. The team will await his clearance from the program before addressing his potential return.