That's a really stupid take. Laine doesn't drink so it would seem this player assistance program could be because of mental problems that could very well be concussion related. Lots of former players like Franzen and Savard have talked about their concussions and depression. Here's Savards piece from Player's Tribune.
There’s one thing that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. It’s not the head shot I took. I can barely remember that part.
www.theplayerstribune.com
He could be f***ing lying about not drinking for all you guys know. Not many people with severe issues openly talk about their issues. It’s obviously SOMETHING under the surface that nobody (publicly) knows a thing about.
Let me also reiterate that there was nothing hinted at about him being impacted by anything in any way like this before it came out. Why do you think that is? Did the team have prior knowledge of something before the “setback” on the road trip? What does Brandon Dubinsky feel about the situation??
For every player like Savard/Franzen and Laine, how many more full contact athletes out there who never made it, or “everyday people” are out there with similar issues, that you and most others don’t give a 2nd thought about at any time??
And you know what, there’s still a hockey team that needs to be run. I’m more than fine with giving him his 10s of millions of Nationwide dollars, and he can take time off away back home in Finland and get his head straight or do whatever he wants. As long as the 8 million is off the cap and we can replace the money with another player or 2.
