Report: Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine benched because he ‘verbally disrespected’ a coach

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine was benched for the final 26:19 of action against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, causing speculation into why head coach John Tortorella might have made him ride the bench.

According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, Laine was benched because he "verbally disrespected" a member of the Columbus coaching staff. It's unclear who he had the altercation with, but Brad Larsen, who coaches the forwards, and Brad Shaw, who coaches the defensemen, are behind the bench for games.  

The Blue Jackets acquired Laine and center Jack Roslovic for Pierre-Luc Dubois in a massive trade with the Winnipeg Jets earlier this month. The 22-year-old entered Monday's game with three goals in three games for Columbus, so his benching came as a surprise given his success. 

In five games this season, Laine has six points (five goals, one assist). It's unclear if he'll be in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.