Defenseman Zach Werenski took exception to former teammate Patrik Laine describing the Columbus Blue Jackets as having a losing culture.
"It's unfortunate," Werenski said after the Blue Jackets' 5-4 win against Laine's Montreal Canadiens on Monday, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "As guys in here, and as a guy who's been here, we were nothing but good teammates to him, nothing but good friends to him. For him to bash us like that, I think it's just unacceptable."
Werenski added: "For him to come in here and say all that, that's bullshit. Definitely not happy about it, and none of us in this room are happy about it. That speaks more about him than it does us."
Werenski also said Laine's comments "100% motivated" the Blue Jackets in Monday's victory.
"What's he thinking saying that?" Werenski said, according to Portzline. "It's just incredible. I've got no more time for that. I don't wanna talk about (Laine) anymore. I hope he's all right. I just thought that was pretty ridiculous, to be honest."
Laine played for the Blue Jackets from 2020-24. He left the team to enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January and later requested a trade from Columbus before being dealt to the Canadiens in August.
The 26-year-old told reporters Monday that the Blue Jackets are "a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they're at," which played a key reason for his trade request.
Columbus fans booed Laine before he exited Monday's contest due to an upper-body injury. Werenski said he hopes Laine is OK, per Portzline.
Werenski has played his entire nine-season career with the Blue Jackets. He's been an alternate captain for Columbus since 2021 and is tied for fifth in franchise scoring with 334 points.
